Chelsea’s Women’s Champions League Triumph | OneFootball

Chelsea’s women’s team turned in a performance for the ages on March 27, 2025, demolishing Manchester City 3-0 at Stamford Bridge to qualify for the UEFA Women’s Champions League semi-finals.

Having lost 2-0 in the quarter-final first leg, not many fancied their chances of overturning that deficit. But the Blues, under the razor-sharp management of Emma Hayes in her last campaign before joining the U.S., showed they’re made for the big occasions.

Now they stand two games away from European immortality, with a semi-final against Barcelona awaiting, with the first leg on April 19 and the second on April 27.

The Stars

That evening was all about Lauren James, who’s fast becoming Chelsea’s resident star. The 23-year-old forward netted a double, the first a curling shot in the 18th minute and her second one to mark the finish just after the hour mark.

Brilliant throughout the season, James combined her pacing skill and her ability to score when it counted. Together with her, Erin Cuthbert‘s tireless midfield work pinned City back, and captain Millie Bright organised a defence that yielded nothing.

MVP points, however, go to Guro Reiten. Not only did the Norwegian winger score the third, ranged screamer of a goal, she dictated play, splitting open City’s defence with pinpoint passing. Her vision and industry flipped the tie upside down. Chelsea’s popularity is also reflected in the fact that they’re constantly the top 10 most popular FCs, and that includes the US audience. Those in the US who follow women’s European soccer can also participate in betting on Chelsea’s success, and the mgm deposit bonus code offers a perfect opportunity to do so with bonuses.

Form in Focus

Chelsea’s women are on scorching form, unbeaten in their last 10 matches in all competitions, including in a domestic league where they’re tied with Manchester City.

That resurgence wasn’t just luck; it’s the mark of a team that’s got into a groove at just the right time. Sam Kerr, who was ruled out early this season through injury, is nearing a return, offering even more firepower. Compared to rivals like Manchester City, who cracked under pressure, or Arsenal, who dropped out earlier, Chelsea currently looks a class apart in European women’s football.

The Next Challenger

That said, Barcelona, their upcoming semi-final opponents, are not to be taken lightly.

The Spanish giants are back-to-back champions, having won the competition in 2023 and 2024. Led by two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas and this season’s unstoppable Aitana Bonmatí, Barcelona’s possession game is difficult to knock over.

They’ve been beaten just once in 20 matches and thrashed Bayern Munich 4-1 in their quarter-final second leg. Chelsea’s best hope lies in their counter-attacking pace and set-piece threat. Bright and James can take advantage of Barca’s occasional defensive lapses. It’s a 50-50 draw, but Chelsea will need Stamford Bridge to be rocking again if they are to gain an advantage ahead of the daunting second leg at the Camp Nou.

Europe’s Top Dogs

Standing back, Chelsea’s run puts them among Europe’s elite but not yet the continent’s most successful women’s team. That title belongs to Olympique Lyonnais, France’s giants and eight-time Champions League champions, including a dominant run of five consecutive titles between 2016 and 2020.

Lyon is still in the mix this year, playing the other semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain, and their trophy cabinet casts a long shadow. Barcelona, with two victories, and Wolfsburg of Germany, also with two, also stand ahead of Chelsea’s single win in 2021. Hayes’ side this term, though, has the look of one that will add to that tally.

Eyes on the Prize

With the semis on the horizon, Chelsea’s grit and glamour make them a real threat. Barcelona will definitely take them to the wire, but after dismantling City, this side believes it can beat anyone. For a team saying goodbye to a legendary manager, lifting the trophy on May 25 in Lisbon would be the ideal goodbye and a career milestone. The road’s tough, but Chelsea’s women are firmly in the running.