An Erin Cuthbert strike gave Chelsea a shock 1-0 win over reigning champions Barcelona in the Women’s Champions League (WCL) semifinal first leg at the Olympic Stadium 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 Cuthbert who fired it into the top corner.
Reuters reports that 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.
Barça 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 game.
