Chelsea Women secured a spot in the Women’s Champions League semi-finals for a second consecutive season after drawing 1-1 with Ajax in the second leg of their quarter-final tie, resulting in a 4-1 aggregate win. Mayra Ramirez scored the opening goal in London, but Ajax fought back with a goal from Chasity Grant. Despite the draw, Chelsea’s overall performance in both legs allowed them to advance to the semi-finals for the fifth time in seven years. Chelsea will now face either Brann or Barcelona in the next round.
Manager Emma Hayes made seven changes to the Chelsea side for the match, showing the depth and strength of her squad as they continue to compete on multiple fronts. The team looked to secure a quick victory, but Ajax provided a challenge, targeting Chelsea’s defense. Ramirez scored her first European goal with a well-taken shot after a pass from Guro Reiten. The Blues controlled the game after taking the lead, with Ashley Lawrence managing Ajax’s threats. However, Ajax equalized through Grant, putting some pressure on Chelsea, but they managed to hold on and secure their spot in the semi-finals.
The match marked another step in Emma Hayes’ impressive tenure at Chelsea, with the potential to achieve the Women’s Champions League title in her final season adding to her impressive collection of trophies with the club. Chelsea’s unbeaten European run continued, with the team demonstrating their quality and determination despite some challenges during the game. Chelsea’s goalkeeper, Zecira Musovic, made crucial saves to deny Ajax, highlighting her importance to the team’s success. The result sets up a potential rematch with Barcelona in the semi-finals after last season’s defeat in the final.
Steph Houghton, a Lionesses icon, announced her retirement at the end of the season and paid tribute to her husband, Stephen Darby, who suffered a fall while she was playing a match. Houghton expressed “guilt” over the incident and reflected on her career as she prepares to step away from professional football. Her contributions to the game and her personal journey have made her a respected figure in the sport, and her retirement will mark the end of an era for women’s football. Houghton’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations of players.
Chelsea’s performance in the Women’s Champions League quarter-final showcased their quality and resilience as they navigated through a tough matchup against Ajax. The team’s depth and tactical adaptability, guided by manager Emma Hayes, have been key to their success in domestic and European competitions. With a potential semi-final clash against familiar opponents in Barcelona, Chelsea will look to build on their recent achievements and continue their pursuit of European glory. As the season progresses, the team’s focus will be on maintaining their high standards and pushing for more silverware under Hayes’ leadership.
