Chelsea’s hopes of winning a first Women’s Champions League title were ended as Barcelona overturned a first-leg deficit to win 2-0 at Stamford Bridge and progress to the final.

Fridolina Rolfo fired home from the penalty spot with 15 minutes to play to complete the defending champions’ fightback and seal a 2-1 aggregate victory, after Emma Hayes’ side had been made to endure the final half-hour with 10 players following the sending-off of Kadeisha Buchanan.

Barca had already levelled the tie via a deflected finish from Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmati by the time the Chelsea defender saw red. Reaching for a loose ball inside the centre circle, she landed a foot on the ankle of Patri Guijarro and referee Iuliana Demetrescu did not hesitate in showing a second yellow card.

In Hayes’ final season in charge at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea battled gamely to give their outgoing manager the chance to depart on a high in next month’s final in Bilbao.

But despite Barca being camped in their own half, time ran out on the home side who bowed out in the last four for the second season running.

Relive all the action and follow the reaction from Chelsea vs Barcelona below, while you can watch the Women’s Champions League Semi-Finals for free on DAZN

Chelsea vs Barcelona LIVE: Women’s Champions League semi-final updates

• FULL TIME! Chelsea 0-2 Barcelona (2-1 in agg.) Heartbreak for Chelsea and Emma Hayes

• 75’ GOAL! Rolfo with a calm penalty that sends Hampton the wrong way [CHE 0-2 FCB, 1-2 agg]

• 59’ RED CARD! Buchanan shown controversial second yellow after hard challenge on Patri Guijarro [CHE 0-1 FCB, 1-1 agg]

• 25’ GOAL! Bonmati strikes to put Barcelona ahead and level the tie [CHE 0-1 FCB, 1-1 agg]

• No Mayra Ramirez in Chelsea squad due to injury as Catarina Macario comes in

Barcelona wreck Chelsea’s Champions League dream to leave Emma Hayes with one regret

21:02 , Jamie Braidwood

Emma Hayes stared into the distance and puffed out her cheeks as the full-time whistle went and the dream came crashing down. There will be no Women’s Champions League title in Hayes’s final season, no Bilbao final to provide the ultimate send-off after 12 years in charge. For the third time in four years, it is Barcelona who are responsible, but perhaps it is this defeat that will hurt the most. Chelsea were thrashed in the 2021 final, they weren’t competitive in last season’s semi-final. But here, as Barcelona continue their Champions League defence and now go for back-to-back European crowns, Chelsea will know they have never been so close to their first.

In front of a record 40,000 at Stamford Bridge, the big moments went against Chelsea and turned a historic occasion Barcelona’s way. Chelsea will regret missed chances when the tie was in the balance and will be left to fume over the decisions that went against them. The sending-off of Kadeisha Buchanan for the softest of second yellow cards reduced Chelsea to 10 players and left Hayes’s side with over half an hour to hang on. Fridolina Rolfo’s penalty 20 minutes from time gave Barcelona the lead for the first time and left Chelsea with it all to do. The presence of VAR did not save Chelsea, or intervene when Aitana Bonmati went down under the slightest push in the box from Jess Carter.

Barcelona wreck Chelsea’s Champions League dream to leave Emma Hayes with one regret

Emma Hayes slams ‘worst decision in Champions League history’ as Chelsea ‘robbed’ place in final

20:59 , Jamie Braidwood

Emma Hayes said her Chelsea team were on the wrong end of the “worst decision in Women’s Champions League history” as Barcelona advanced to the final following a controversial tie at Stamford Bridge.

Hayes believed Chelsea were “robbed” after the referee Iuliana Demetrescu sent off defender Kadeisha Buchanan for a second yellow card early in the second half, with the semi-final tie in the balance on aggregate following Chelsea’s narrow victory in Spain last week.

Barcelona were then awarded a late penalty when Aitana Bonmati was brought down by a combination of Jess Carter and Ashley Lawrence - a decision Hayes said was “equally soft” - and Fridolina Rolfo converted to send Barcelona through to the Bilbao final and a shot at a third title in four years.

Emma Hayes slams ‘worst decision in Champions League history’ as Chelsea ‘robbed’

Women’s Champions League: Chelsea 0-2 (1-2 agg.) Barcelona

20:20 , Jack Rathborn

Chelsea 0-2 (1-2 agg.) Barcelona: What next for Chelsea ahead of Emma Hayes’ exit?

20:05 , Jack Rathborn

Emma Hayes will not have the fairytale ending then, she blows kisses to the fans at Stamford Bridge.

The Chelsea fans, who sold out the Bridge tonight, chant “Emma, Emma” before she disappears down the tunnel.

This will be a bitter pill to swallow for Hayes, who has endured a tough few weeks. But, there’s still work to be done in the WSL.

Chelsea 0-2 (1-2 agg.) Barcelona: Jonatan Giraldez reacts to victory

19:54 , Jack Rathborn

“You can only focus on the game,” Jonatan Giraldez tells DAZN.

“The special moments we have, but when you train every day, it’s easier to get that performance.

“You manage your emotions. After losing, it’s a specific moment to make a change to your mind and the direction.

“It’s not only about winning, the mentality of the players, it’s special.”

Chelsea 0-2 (1-2 agg.) Barcelona

19:43 , Jack Rathborn

Lianne Sanderson insists Chelsea were unlucky with several decisions, telling DAZN: "It's not a yellow card in any walk of life, ultimately Chelsea were on the back foot, but going down to 10 players.

“I thought the referee was really poor. She was getting in the way at times.

“Those decisions can really change games. It’s nowhere near a second yellow card.

“Make a better decision, but also have some common sense. The first one was a yellow, but the second one, not in any walk of life.

“The more you watch it, the more infuriating it is.”

Chelsea 0-2 (1-2 agg.) Barcelona - Aitana Bonmati reacts to victory at Stamford Bridge

19:40 , Jack Rathborn

Bonmati: "We want to keep winning every year, it's not easy but I'm proud of my team.

“It was a bit lucky [my goal], but sometimes you just have to shoot.

“My mind is always to give everything I have to the team, give my best version every year.

“We are a great team.”

Chelsea 0-2 (1-2 agg.) Barcelona

19:26 , Jack Rathborn

90+6 mins: Putellas trying to get the better of Carter, but Chelsea get the ball back again, one final chance.

Emma Hayes with her head in her hands, Chelsea are going to fall desperately short.

Chelsea 0-2 (1-2 agg.) Barcelona

19:25 , Jack Rathborn

90+4 mins: Barcelona should be home and dry, but Hampton with a brilliant save to deny Paralluelo.

Barcelona cut through the Blues beautifully, but Hampton spread herself well and the big left boot cleared the danger.

Chelsea 0-2 (1-2 agg.) Barcelona

19:24 , Jack Rathborn

90+3 mins: Chelsea want a penalty! The ball sails to the back post and bounces viciously up towards the arm of Guijarro, but it hits her back as she turns away.

Check complete.

Chelsea 0-2 (1-2 agg.) Barcelona

19:22 , Jack Rathborn

90+1 mins: Bonmati struggles off, she wanted the stretcher. She departs with Alexia stepping in for the final minutes.

Six added minutes! The crowd reacts, can Chelsea send this to extra-time?

Chelsea 0-2 (1-2 agg.) Barcelona

19:20 , Jack Rathborn

88 mins: Rolfo, Guijarro and Bonmati keeping the ball superbly. Chelsea now desperate to win it back and launch a final attack or two.

Pina now involved, it’s quick, short passing, a masterclass in seeing out a game.

Chelsea 0-2 (1-2 agg.) Barcelona

19:16 , Jack Rathborn

85 mins: Chelsea have gone for this with a triple substitution. Kirby, Bright and Perisset on for James, Kaneryd and Lawrence.

Pina on for Hansen as Barcelona also freshen things up.

Chelsea just trying to get out of their own half. Pina floats a looping ball to the back post with Paralluelo lurking. But Hampton is alert and makes a fine claim.

Chelsea 0-2 (1-2 agg.) Barcelona

19:11 , Jack Rathborn

79 mins: Chelsea react, to their credit, with Engen clattering Beever-Jones.

Cuthbert with a free-kick out on the right, can she find the right delivery?

Carter keeps it alive, but Barcelona just about survive, Set-pieces will likely be the route back into this tie for Chelsea you feel.

Chelsea 0-2 (1-2 agg.) Barcelona

19:05 , Jack Rathborn

75 mins: GOAL! Rolfo calmly slots home, sending Hampton the wrong way. A gorgeous penalty.

But that is a controversial decision, given Bonmati ran into the back of Lawrence. But it’s 0-2, and Chelsea look beaten with 15 minutes remaining.

Chelsea 0-1 (1-1 agg.) Barcelona

19:04 , Jack Rathborn

73 mins: PENALTY BARCELONA!

Bonmati in behind and sprinting at full speed. She’s electric.

But off balance, her legs collide with Lawrence’s. Another controversial decision! VAR checks, but it’s confirmed.

Chelsea 0-1 (1-1 agg.) Barcelona

19:02 , Jack Rathborn

72 mins: Barcelona buzzing now and looking to put Chelsea away.

Bonmati surges in behind, but is forced back away from goal. Barcelona just trying to pick the lock now, Chelsea in a low block and hoping to survive.

Chelsea 0-1 (1-1 agg.) Barcelona

18:58 , Jack Rathborn

67 mins: Caldentey is on for Barcelona, Ona Batlle makes way. Time to go for the kill, it seems.

Kaneryd storms down the right for Chelsea and it’s a clever turn back inside, but her left-footed strike, despite being clean, is straight at Cata Coll.

A rare glimpse in transition for the hosts, they’ll need to be ruthless when Barcelona are not settled.

Chelsea 0-1 (1-1 agg.) Barcelona

18:55 , Jack Rathborn

65 mins: Macario off, Reiten on for the Blues to add some fresh legs. It’s a 4-4-1 formation now for Hayes’ side.

While Barcelona prepare the move to turn the screw with a move themselves.

Chelsea 0-1 (1-1 agg.) Barcelona

18:50 , Jack Rathborn

59 mins: Buchanan goes in hard on Patri Guijarro and wins the ball, but the referee flashes a second yellow card and SHE'S OFF!

It’s harsh, Buchanan gets the ball, firstly, but as she deflects the ball, her foot comes down and catches the very end of Patri Guijarro’s toes.

Chelsea with a mountain to climb now.

Chelsea 0-1 (1-1 agg.) Barcelona

18:48 , Jack Rathborn

56 mins: Off the post! Nusken dangles her right leg out, the chance is there for Chelsea and the ball dribbles wide after clipping the post.

It’s brilliant from Lawrence down the left and the ball back is superb.

Chelsea 0-1 (1-1 agg.) Barcelona

18:44 , Jack Rathborn

53 mins: Macario stands over the ball, it’s nearly 36 yards from goal.

It’s clipped to the back post and Barcelona scramble it clear, but they don’t look comfortable, perhaps this is the way through for the hosts?

Buchanan chops down Paralluelo, it’s a crude challenge, the crowd boos, but that’s a clear booking.

Already both teams look a little tired. Will Hayes shuffle the pack first?

Chelsea 0-1 (1-1 agg.) Barcelona

18:40 , Jack Rathborn

49 mins: There’s danger for Chelsea! Barcelona want a penalty, Chelsea throwing themselves at the loose ball inside the box.

Rolfo then has a shot blocked from just inside the area. Hansen then with some skill and speed down the right.

It eventually leads to Ona Batlle stepping up and thumping the ball high and wide.

Chelsea 0-1 (1-1 agg.) Barcelona

18:37 , Jack Rathborn

Cata Coll off her line well and Kaneryd puts in a tantalising cross. Nusken is nearly there to prod it into the empty net behind the Barcelona ‘keeper, but she can’t quite get there. Positive start though!

Chelsea 0-1 (1-1 agg.) Barcelona

18:34 , Jack Rathborn

Chelsea 0-1 (1-1 agg.) Barcelona

18:21 , Jack Rathborn

Half-time: What a half, breathtaking!

It’s 1-0 to Barcelona at the Bridge and 1-1 on aggregate. All to play for in the second half after Aitana Bonmati, the best player on the pitch tonight, with the goal thanks to a fortunate deflection.

Chelsea 0-1 (1-1 agg.) Barcelona

18:16 , Jack Rathborn

45 mins: Too much space for Barcelona, Leupolz is sloppy and loses the ball.

Bonmati is snapping at her heels and the ball eventually finds Rolfo, it’s a clean hit, but it’s always rising.

Chelsea 0-1 (1-1 agg.) Barcelona

18:13 , Jack Rathborn

40 mins: Yikes, this does not look good. It looks to be an ankle injury for Irene Paredes, who is in some pain and down.

She walks off with a grimace. Charles gets us back underway, launching a long throw-in up to James.

But Barcelona back on the ball and swarming the Blues in midfield. Chelsea must release the ball quicker when they do get the ball.

Chelsea 0-1 (1-1 agg.) Barcelona

18:10 , Jack Rathborn

38 mins: So close for Chelsea! Barcelona make a mess of it and Nusken is in! She storms through on goal and then cuts it back.

James is agonisingly close, but can’t connect from eight yards out.

The ball falls to Cuthbert and it’s nice footwork, but she can’t hit the target, a huge chance spurned by the Blues.

Chelsea 0-1 (1-1 agg.) Barcelona

18:08 , Jack Rathborn

35 mins: Macario with a fine effort, left foot, she slashes across the ball on the volley and it’s curling away from Catalina Coll.

Perhaps unsighted from Patri Guijarro’s missed block, it’s palmed away for a corner.

A positive response from the Blues.

Chelsea 0-1 (1-1 agg.) Barcelona

18:03 , Jack Rathborn

30 mins: Chelsea on the rocks here, Barcelona pushing for the second and Hampton has to come and claim a high ball and gets a fist to it.

Leupolz is saved by the offside flag, because James is adjudged to be narrowly offside in the build-up.

Her clever cutback reaches the back post and with Barcelona scrambling back across the goal, Leupolz at the back post can convert into the empty net, but she clatters the bar!

GOAL! Chelsea 0-1 (1-1 agg.) Barcelona (Bonmati 25’)

17:58 , Jack Rathborn

25 mins: GOAL! Bonmati has the goal, of course she does, buzzing throughout this contest already.

A quick turn and strike at goal, across her body and low towards the bottom left corner, beats Hampton with the help of a cruel deflection off Buchanan.

The travelling Barcelona supporters go wild, what a tie we have now!

Chelsea vs Barcelona: Women’s Champions League latest score and updates

17:55 , Jack Rathborn

23 mins: The ball reaches Hansen on the left edge of the penalty area, she swing a boot at it and the volley, while not clean, gives Hampton something to worry about.

The Blues shot-stopper scrambles over and smothers the ball, but it bounces back inside the posts briefly before she fully gathers.

Rytting Kaneryd sticking to her task well on the right, cutting out Patri Guijarro’s pass.

And now Hansen is dribbling at pace towards the Chelsea box, danger for the hosts.

Chelsea vs Barcelona: Women’s Champions League latest score and updates

17:52 , Jack Rathborn

19 mins: Macario now looking to slow the game down and in turn James is able to get into the game.

A few more touches for Chelsea’s star forward.

Lawrence swings in a cross and Keneryd leaps high but can’t connect, much better though, and the score is level, which feels like a win for the hosts with the aggregate score in their favour.

Chelsea vs Barcelona: Women’s Champions League latest score and updates

17:47 , Jack Rathborn

14 mins: Lauren James dropping deep to get involved. It’s strong hold-up play and James protects the ball so well, but she’s unable to turn and drive at Barcelona.

The ball is played back and Chelsea are forced to build again from deep. Paralluelo fed by Bronze from deep with a pinpoint pass zipped across the Stamford Bridge surface, but Chelsea are strong in the challenge and she’s outmuscled.

Barely any time to settle for either team so far.

Chelsea vs Barcelona: Women’s Champions League latest score and updates

17:42 , Jack Rathborn

10 mins: Bonmati starting to pull the strings and Barcelona get it out wide, Bronze puts in a stunning ball.

And Guijarro must do better, she’s free and cannot quite control the volley inside the box, a big reprieve for Chelsea early on.

Bonmati slicing through the Chelsea midfield and her quick feet leaves Cuthbert and Leupolz in a spin. But Rolfo’s cross is too heavy and drifts wide. Chelsea need to settle all of a sudden.

Chelsea vs Barcelona: Women’s Champions League latest score and updates

17:39 , Jack Rathborn

7 mins: Leupolz is everywhere! Bronze looks to drive out from the back for Barcelona.

But the Chelsea midfielder is there in a flash and a crunching challenge breaks up the visitors’ move.

Chelsea vs Barcelona: Women’s Champions League latest score and updates

17:36 , Jack Rathborn

3 mins: It’s a fine start for Chelsea, who plot their way through Barcelona’s midfield.

Macario lively and just gets the weight of her pass wrong as she attempts to find the killer ball with the outside of her boot.

It’s a busy centre of the pitch and both sides looking to seize control, Cuthbert and Leupolz getting the ball down nicely and attempting to build some rhythm.

Chelsea vs Barcelona: Emma Hayes on Mayra Ramirez injury

17:19 , Jack Rathborn

"You can't build things up too much, they take too much energy away. We have to work hard to keep our emotions in check. We know what we're facing. We have to conserve our energy,” Hayes tells DAZN.

“It’s great (the sellout), these are the standards and should be expected.

“I’m delighted everybody has come out for the team, the girls deserve it.

“Mayra got an injury, we had to change direction, that’s why you have a squad and Cat’s ready to go!”

Chelsea vs Barcelona: Latest build-up

17:10 , Jamie Braidwood

Chelsea defender Niamh Charles on the challenge of facing Barcelona and their star-studded team of world class attacking talent.

“It’s not individual players, they’re one of the best teams in the world. It’s not focusing on one player.

“It’s all in the mind, its about being switched on every single second. You switch off for one moment and you get punished.”

Chelsea vs Barcelona: Women’s Champions League semi-finals

17:05 , Jack Rathborn

Lianne Sanderson on the second leg: “Five years Barcelona had not lost at home, they looked rattled.

“Last week, Chelsea were the far superior team, Barcelona missed a sitter late on still.

“Ultimately, when you go behind against these teams, you almost have to beat Barcelona 3-0 to stand a chance in these games. It’s all about winning for themselves and this football club, not Emma Hayes.”

Chelsea vs Barcelona: Mayra Ramirez watches on from the stands at Stamford Bridge

17:00 , Jack Rathborn

Mayra Ramirez is in the stands and sitting alongside Sam Kerr.

They’ll be hoping Chelsea have enough without them on the pitch to finish the job with the tie delicately balance and just a one-goal lead over champions Barcelona.

16:50 , Jamie Braidwood

Emma Hayes on managing the “emotion” of her final match in charge of Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

“The only person who can send me over the edge is my child. When I can’t manage a situation with a five-year-old then I’m a bit flustered.

“Being a parent is the hardest thing in the world. Being a football manager with your team is a privilege. I don’t think about it emotionally. I’m with my football family.

“I’ve done this so long that I’ve trained my brain not to be in these places. Stay present, stay in the moment. I’ve done my job this week. I’ll do everything I can within my control.”

Chelsea vs Barcelona: Women’s Champions League semi-finals

16:40 , Jack Rathborn

Chelsea vs Barcelona: Latest build-up

16:30 , Jamie Braidwood

Emma Hayes said Chelsea know they will need to produce a perfect display if they are to overcome holders Barcelona at Stamford Bridge on Saturday and progress to the Women’s Champions League final.

Erin Cuthbert’s goal earned Chelsea a 1-0 first-leg victory a week ago, the only defeat Barca have suffered in the 39 games they have played this season, but Hayes urged caution ahead the return.

Her side were eliminated at the same stage by the same opposition last season, when Caroline Graham Hansen’s goal in the fourth minute was enough to earn a first-leg win in west London for the Liga F champions, before a 1-1 draw at the Nou Camp confirmed Chelsea’s exit.

“They’re the best team in the world, I’ve said it millions of times,” said Hayes. “They know how to be in this position. No matter what they throw at us, Barcelona can hurt you in so many different ways.

“For us as a team, we have to be so mindful that we cannot switch off for one single second. This is a game that’s played in the head first and foremost. We know we have to be perfect in order to progress.”

PA

Chelsea vs Barcelona: Team news

16:29 , Jack Rathborn

A big blow for Chelsea with Mayra Ramirez not even in the squad and presumably injured, so Catarina Macario comes in for the Blues.

While Fridolina Rolfö looks set to play out wide on the left for the Catalans. Lucy Bronze will play in defence, meaning Mariona Caldentey is on the bench.

Chelsea vs Barcelona: Starting line-ups

16:22 , Jack Rathborn

Chelsea XI: Hampton; Charles, Carter, Buchanan; Lawrence, Nusken, Leupolz, Cuthbert, Kaneryd; Macario, James

Subs: Musovic, Bright, Perisset , Bjorn , Ingle , Reiten, Mjelde , Cankovic, Kirby , Beever-Jones

Barcelona XI: Coll; Batlle, Paredes, Engen, Bronze, Rolfo; Bonmati, Walsh, Guijarro; Hansen, Paralluelo

Subs: Panos, Gemma, Jana, Pina, Marta, Mariona, Alexia, Bruna, Brugts, Vicky, Martina

Chelsea vs Barcelona: Starting line-ups

16:17 , Jack Rathborn

Chelsea vs Barcelona: Latest build-up

16:10 , Jamie Braidwood

Emma Hayes ahead of what is expected to be a record attendance at Stamford Bridge and potentially a sell-out.

“The litmus test of all of this is the first game at Stamford Bridge next season - making sure that the communications team has the right strategy in place to grow the 35,000 attendance tomorrow into 35,000 in the first game of the next season.

“But, for me, this is one more step in the right direction of growing the women’s game.”

Chelsea vs Barcelona: Latest build-up

15:50 , Jamie Braidwood

Emma Hayes ahead of facing “the best team in the world”:

“They know how to be in this position. Barcelona can hurt you in so many different ways that for us, as a team, we have to be so mindful that you cannot switch off for one single second.

“We know we have to be perfect to be able to progress.”

Chelsea vs Barcelona: Latest build-up

15:30 , Jamie Braidwood

Chelsea captain Millie Bright has described today’s Champions League second leg against Barcelona as “the biggest game we’re probably going to play in our careers”.

Bright has been sidelined since November with a knee injury but returned to the bench for last week’s first leg in Barcelona.

She told the BBC: “We know it's a fantastic opponent, we know the storm that's about to come and we have a lot of respect for them.

"It's still half-time. It was a fantastic result and performance from the girls [last week] but equally, we know that Barca were probably not at their best.

"They will absolutely ramp it up. We have to make sure we're on our A-game otherwise that result means nothing if we don't get the job done on Saturday.

"We are in a great position and we know it's about staying switched on. It's a team that we can't afford to slip up against or take our foot off the gas because they will punish you."

Chelsea vs Barcelona: Latest build-up

14:45 , Jamie Braidwood

Barcelona beat Chelsea 1-0 in last year’s semi-final first leg at Stamford Bridge, as Caroline Graham Hansen’s goal gave the Spanish side the advantage.

Before last week’s first leg, Graham Hansen had scored in every game she had played against Chelsea, but was kept quiet by Niamh Charles and a superb Chelsea display.

Chelsea vs Barcelona: Latest build-up

14:00 , Jamie Braidwood

Barcelona and England midfielder Keira Walsh insisted the Champions League holders have full belief that they can came from 1-0 down to reach the final at Stamford Bridge.

She told Uefa: “It's definitely not beyond us. We had chances at the end [of the first leg] and we can take a positive from that. Everybody fights for the badge; that's what we'll do at Stamford Bridge. This is such a special team and I have full faith that we can do it."

Chelsea vs Barcelona: Latest build-up

13:15 , Jamie Braidwood

Emma Hayes warned that Barcelona “have another level in them” after Chelsea pulled off a stunning victory in last week’s first leg.

“It’s just half-time. Nobody should get carried away with that and to be honest, I’m disappointed we didn’t get the second goal,” she told DAZN.

“It’s a difficult place to come and they carried out the game plan I asked them to do – so from that perspective, I’m happy.

“I think I know how to come away from home and get a result. We have under-performed against Barcelona at home.

“Barcelona have another level in them and I think that’s clear. Maybe they don’t feel they were at their best today and we have to anticipate that.”

Chelsea vs Barcelona: Latest build-up

12:30 , Jamie Braidwood

Chelsea will have to do more than just defend as Barcelona look to keep their Champions League defence alive. Barcelona have vowed to bring “another level” into the second leg and as they seek the comeback, or the “remontada”.

It would be an extraordinary effort from Chelsea to shut-out the star-studded cast of Bonmati, Caroline Graham Hansen, Fridolina Rolfo, Salma Paralluelo and Alexia Putellas for a second game in a row. “Barcelona are gonna come for us, world class players won’t accept defeat,” Hayes warned last week, moments after full-time.

Chelsea have been preparing for this and, for them, it’s personal too. That final in Gothenburg, three years ago, denied Chelsea and Hayes a first Champions League, destroyed by Barcelona in a first-half onslaught.

This is the closest they’ve been to the Champions League final since and, ultimately, a first-ever victory over Barcelona would count for nothing if they don’t complete the job and reach the final as well. The quadruple is long gone but the Champions League dream is still alive. For Chelsea and Hayes, this would be their greatest victory of all.

Chelsea vs Barcelona: Latest build-up

11:45 , Jamie Braidwood

Chelsea were brilliant last week, becoming the first team to beat Barcelona away from home in five years. A defensive masterclass stifled the holders, limiting the Spanish side to few chances, while an aggressive and intense approach disrupted the European champions and their midfield passing. Barcelona and their superstars were evidently rattled, with the Ballon d’Or holder Aitana Bonmati accusing Chelsea of “playing dirty” and causing “interruptions” in the game. Bonmati claimed Barcelona had warned the referee that Chelsea would look to slow play down, and yet they succeeded.

Such a reaction would have been music to Chelsea’s ears, evidence beyond the monumental scoreline that their approach had been a successful one. Hayes was quick to point out that the tie was only at half-time and insisted Chelsea could have had more. There was pride in celebrating Chelsea’s win at Barcelona, but Hayes was rather more regretful that Mayra Ramirez had not doubled Chelsea’s lead on the counter-attack after the hosts pushed further numbers forward in search of an equaliser.

Chelsea vs Barcelona: Latest build-up

11:00 , Jamie Braidwood

And so to the arrival of Barcelona for the second time in as many seasons. Chelsea are prepared for a response after Barcelona were stunned, humbled and suffered their first defeat of the season in the first leg last week. Hayes’s side executed their defensive gameplan to perfection and Erin Cuthbert’s goal secured a famous win at the Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium.

There is a score to settle: Barcelona have vowed to raise their game and there is revenge to claim, yet the European champions will be up against more than an organised defence and a disciplined unit, given the emotion of Hayes’s final weeks in charge.

The chance to finally win the Champions League heightens the narrative, in a clash that should have much more tension and edginess than last season’s semi-final first leg at Stamford Bridge. Then, the occasion was not a contest and Chelsea’s passiveness as much as Barcelona’s dominance meant the fixture struggled to live up to its billing.

That Barcelona’s return comes in the second leg - and with Chelsea having a lead to defend - demands a hostile atmosphere to fuel the evening and help Hayes’s side over the line. Last season’s late comeback and quarter-final victory over holders Lyon can be their inspiration.

Chelsea vs Barcelona: Latest build-up

10:15 , Jamie Braidwood

Chelsea can claim crowning Women’s Champions League victory in the house that Emma Hayes built

It was all in the plan, it seemed. As Chelsea took to Stamford Bridge for the first time under Emma Hayes, the club’s then-chairman Bruce Buck declared that, in one sense, the “mission has been accomplished”. There were under 4,000 in attendance as Chelsea were beaten 3-0 by Wolfsburg, but the the historic occasion of Chelsea’s women’s team playing at Stamford Bridge was the encapsulation of Hayes’s vision. “Emma explained what she wanted to build here,” Buck wrote in the match programme seven years ago. “But I know Emma will not want the journey to end here.” Nor did it.

But now there is an end, of sorts, as Chelsea return to the house that Hayes built for the second leg of their Women’s Champions League semi-final against Barcelona. Hayes’s last match at Stamford Bridge could not have been scripted better: with a slender 1-0 lead to protect against the best team in the world, the opportunity to knock out the holders and reach the Bilbao final, and the biggest ever attendance for a women’s game at Stamford Bridge. The pursuit of a first Champions League title and the dream end to Hayes’s final season at Chelsea has led to the chance of a first sell-out in the club’s history.

Chelsea can claim crowning victory in the house that Hayes built

Chelsea vs Barcelona: Latest build-up

09:30 , Jamie Braidwood

Last time out

As the ball fell to Alexia Putellas, four yards out and in the ninth minute of additional time at the Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium, there was already enough evidence to show that this was a day for the unexpected. In any other game, Putellas would have scored and Barcelona would have found a way through – instead, the two-time Ballon d’Or winner skewed her shot and the Women’s Champions League holders suffered their first home defeat in five years. Even more remarkably, as Putellas sliced wide, a team who had scored 164 goals in all competitions this season were yet to land a shot on target.

Nor would they. Somehow, Chelsea and Emma Hayes produced the unthinkable. The English champions looked to survive and stay in the tie, but Erin Cuthbert’s goal and a first-ever victory against the all-conquering Barcelona ensures Chelsea will take a 1-0 lead back to Stamford Bridge for next week’s semi-final second leg. Avoid defeat there, and Hayes will end her 12-year Chelsea reign in Bilbao and with a final shot at the only trophy that has eluded her.

Chelsea produce the unthinkable as Hayes writes famous chapter into farewell story

Chelsea vs Barcelona: Latest build-up

09:10 , Jamie Braidwood

What is the team news?

Chelsea captain Millie Bright is back in the squad after returning from a knee injury, but it would be a surprise to see her start. Chelsea are without long-term absentees Sam Kerr and Mia Fishel, but Maren Mjelde and Nathalie Bjon are likely to be involved.

Barcelona are without Mapi Leon while Lucy Bronze and Alexia Putellas started the first leg on the bench but could come into the line-up.

Predicted line-ups

Chelsea: Hampton; Lawrence, Carter, Buchanan, Charles; Cuthbert, Leupolz; Rytting Kaneryd, Nusken, James; Ramirez

Barcelona: Cata Coll; Bronze, Paredes, Engen, Rolfo; Bonmati, Walsh, Patri; Graham Hansen, Paralluelo, Caldentey

Is Chelsea vs Barcelona on TV? Channel, kick-off time and how to watch Women’s Champions League

09:05 , Jamie Braidwood

When is Chelsea vs Barcelona?

The match will kick off at 5:30pm BST on Saturday 27 April at Stamford Bridge, London.

How can I watch it?

• You can watch the Women’s Champions League Semi-Finals for free on DAZN

Good morning

09:00 , Jamie Braidwood

Chelsea take a one-goal lead into their Women’s Champions League semi-final second leg against holders Barcelona at Stamford Bridge.

Erin Curtbert’s goal at the Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium stunned Barcelona and earned Emma Hayes’s side their first-ever victory against the European champions.

Chelsea will expect a response from the Spanish side as Barcelona travel to Stamford Bridge, where they won 1-0 in last season’s semi-final first leg.

The English champions are aiming to win the Champions League for the first time in what is Hayes’s final season at the club, and they will progress to the Bilbao final on May 25 if they avoid defeat.

Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the Women’s Champions League semi-final

Is Chelsea vs Barcelona on TV? How to watch Women’s Champions League