Barcelona and Chelsea Clash in Women’s Champions League Semifinals

BARCELONA, Spain — Barcelona Femenil faces Chelsea Femenil on Sunday, April 20, 2025, in the first leg of the UEFA Women’s Champions League semifinals, set to kick off at 11:00 a.m. CST. The match will take place at the Estadi Johan Cruyff, as Camp Nou remains under renovation.

This showdown marks the third consecutive time the two teams have met in knockout stages, with Barcelona emerging victorious in the previous encounters. Chelsea will be looking to break that trend and take an advantage into the second leg.

Barcelona advanced with a resounding aggregate score of 10-2 against Wolfsburg, demonstrating their attacking prowess. Star forward Salma Paralluelo starred in the quarterfinals, netting three goals, while Claudia Pina contributed two more. Conversely, Chelsea’s progression came through a tighter contest against Olympique Lyon, winning 3-2 overall.

Historically, players such as Lucy Bronze and Keira Walsh have transitioned between both clubs, enhancing ties between these two powerhouses in women’s football. This adds another layer of intrigue to Sunday’s match.

The first leg of the semifinals offers a critical opportunity for both teams, with the return leg scheduled for one week later in London. The winner will ensure a stronger position for advancing to the final, scheduled for later this season.

Barcelona head coach Jonatan Giráldez has emphasized the need for his team to remain focused, calling Chelsea a formidable adversary who tested them in their previous encounters. Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor echoed Giráldez’s sentiments, opting to keep some strategies under wraps. “I won’t reveal all our secrets because it’s important to save some for my players and me,” she said.

The match will be broadcast in various regions, including live coverage on DAZN platforms in Spain and Mexico. As the competition heats up, anticipation is high for an electric atmosphere this Sunday at the Estadi Johan Cruyff.