Chelsea handed reigning champions Barcelona their first home defeat in all competitions in five years as they beat them 1-0 in the Women’s Champions League semi-final first leg on Saturday, as Emma Hayes’ side target their first European title.
Barcelona, who last lost at home to Sporting Huelva in the league in February 2019, dominated early on but it was Chelsea who took the lead in the 40th minute as Sjoeke Nusken laid off the ball for Erin Cuthbert, and the Scottish midfielder fired it into the top corner.
The Women’s Super League champions received a lifeline after Barcelona had a penalty award for handball overturned in the second half after a VAR check showed a player offside in the build-up.
Barcelona had 66% possession but struggled in the final third against Chelsea’s diligent defence.
Salma Paralluelo nearly equalised in the 85th minute and Alexia Putellas missed a golden opportunity in the dying moments of the gam
