LONDON: Champions League champions Barcelona clawed their way into the championship match, defeating 10-woman Chelsea 2-0 in the second leg at a packed Stamford Bridge on Saturday after trailing 1-0 in the first game.
Aitana Bonmati, the winner of the Ballon d’Or, found space on the edge of the box and sidestepped Niamh Charles to give the Catalan team, who have won the tournament twice in the last three years, the lead in the 26th minute. Kadeisha Buchanan deflected her shot, sending it into the net.
Chelsea responded quickly, giving Catarina Macario and Lauren James opportunities. Chelsea’s Sjoeke Nuksen also struck the post in the 57th minute.
With Chelsea’s prompt response, Catarina Macario and Lauren James were given opportunities. In the 57th minute, Sjoeke Nuksen of Chelsea also struck the post.
After Ashley Lawrence fouled Bonmati in the 74th minute, Fridolina Rolfo scored from the penalty spot to give Barca a 2-1 aggregate lead, dashigning home hopes.
Barca will play in the May 25 final in Bilbao against either Olympique Lyonnais or Paris St. Germain, who play their semi-final on Sunday.