Barcelona secured a dominant 4-1 victory over Chelsea in the first leg of the Women’s Champions League semifinals at the Johan Cruyff Stadium. Under the guidance of Pere Romeu, the team now hopes to secure their place in the sixth Champions League final in the upcoming return leg at Stamford Bridge.

The match started with high intensity from both sides, but Barcelona quickly took control, creating the first dangerous chances. A corner from Graham led to a penalty after the ball struck Björn’s hand. Alexia Putellas stepped up to take the penalty, but Hampton, Chelsea’s goalkeeper, read her shot perfectly and saved it.

Chelsea relied heavily on long balls behind Barcelona’s full-backs in the first half, but goalkeeper Cata faced no serious threats. Meanwhile, Hampton shone for Chelsea, saving a powerful shot from Aitana Bonmatí and denying Pajor in a one-on-one after a brilliant through pass from Salma.

Around the 30th minute, Alexia Putellas redeemed herself with a superb through ball to Pajor, who fired a strong right-footed shot past Hampton to open the scoring.

The first half ended with six minutes of added time, featuring a brilliant save from Cata against a free-kick from Björk and an injury to Mapi, who was replaced by Engen at halftime.

After a tactical chess match, both coaches made substitutions to change the game’s momentum. Romeu’s tactics paid off quickly. Pina scored after a beautiful combination play between Bonmatí and Batlle on the right flank. However, four minutes later, Barcelona’s first defensive mistake allowed Baltimore to cut the deficit to 2-1 with a left-footed shot.

Football proved fair this time, as Barcelona added two more goals. First, Paredes headed in the third, and then Putellas set up Pina with a backheel pass to complete the 4-1 victory. Barcelona will face Chelsea in London next week and, if they maintain their lead (which seems highly likely), they will advance to the final against the winner of Arsenal vs. Lyon.