FC Barcelona reach Women's Champions League final after defeating Chelsea

Blaugranas bounce back from first leg defeat at sold-out Stamford Bridge

Aitana Bonmati of FC Barcelona celebrates scoring her team's first goal during the UEFA Women's Champions League 2023/24 semi-final second leg match between Chelsea FC and FC Barcelona at Stamford Bridge on April 27, 2024 in London, England.
Aitana Bonmati of FC Barcelona celebrates scoring her team's first goal during the UEFA Women's Champions League 2023/24 semi-final second leg match between Chelsea FC and FC Barcelona at Stamford Bridge on April 27, 2024 in London, England. / Photo by Charlie Crowhurst - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Image
Gerard Escaich Folch

Gerard Escaich Folch | @gescaichfolch | Barcelona

April 27, 2024 06:25 PM

April 29, 2024 05:22 PM

FC Barcelona defeated Chelsea FC 2-0 on Saturday night to book their place in the Women's Champions League final.

After suffering a 1-0 defeat in the first leg of the semi-final at the Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium, Jonatan Giráldez's side showed their resilience by winning the return leg.

Aitana Bonmatí opened the scoring for Barça in the 25th minute.

Aitana Bonmati of FC Barcelona celebrates scoring her team's first goal during the UEFA Women's Champions League 2023/24 semi-final second leg match between Chelsea FC and FC Barcelona at Stamford Bridge on April 27, 2024 in London, England.
Aitana Bonmati of FC Barcelona celebrates scoring her team's first goal during the UEFA Women's Champions League 2023/24 semi-final second leg match between Chelsea FC and FC Barcelona at Stamford Bridge on April 27, 2024 in London, England. / Photo by Charlie Crowhurst - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images

The Blues were reduced to ten players after half-time when Kadeisha Buchanan received a controversial second yellow card. 

With 15 minutes remaining, Fridolina Rolfo scored Barça's winning goal from the penalty spot. 

With this victory, Barcelona secured their fifth appearance in the Champions League final and an unprecedented fourth in a row.

The final showdown will take place on May 25 at 6 pm in Bilbao, where Barcelona will play for its third Champions League title.

"It is amazing to reach another final. It wasn't easy because we had a tough team in front of us," said Aitana Bonmatí, the game's MVP, after the match. 

Barcelona's lineup for the game included: Coll, Paredes, Paralluelo, Graham, Guijarro, Bonmatí, Bronze, Rolfö, Walsh, Batlle and Engen.

Meanwhile, the Blues fielded: Hampton, Lawrence, Carter, Buchanan; Charles, Cuthbert, Leupolz, Nusken, James, Kaneryd, Macario.

Players and match officials line up prior to the UEFA Women's Champions League 2023/24 semi-final second leg match between Chelsea FC and FC Barcelona at Stamford Bridge on April 27, 2024 in London, England.
Players and match officials line up prior to the UEFA Women's Champions League 2023/24 semi-final second leg match between Chelsea FC and FC Barcelona at Stamford Bridge on April 27, 2024 in London, England. / Photo by Charlie Crowhurst - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
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