When Chelsea returned to the semi-finals of the Women’s Champions League, the celebrations were kept rather short. “We expect to be here,” a weary Emma Hayes concluded. Hayes admitted she was tired, and with another match to think about, another plan to formulate, it was no surprise how quickly Chelsea had to move on from this comfortable win over Ajax.
For Hayes, the prospect of a 41st game in Chelsea’s season remains alive and stretching, the end still a long way off but coming soon. After twelve years in charge, Hayes and Chelsea still have a maximum of eleven games left in her final season. Chelsea could win four more trophies in the space of 55 days, starting with Sunday’s League Cup final.
While progress to the Champions League semi-finals cannot be taken for granted, the rather somber mood at Stamford Bridge reflected the feeling that there was never any real danger in Chelsea’s evening, thanks to their excellent 3-0 win in Amsterdam last week. If their progress was not in jeopardy, Mayra Ramirez’s smart finish before half-time removed all doubt and ensured Chelsea returned to the semi-finals, even as Ajax pulled one back later. A rematch against Barcelona could take place and Stamford Bridge will be ready for the arrival of the European champions in what will be Hayes’ last game at Chelsea’s main stadium.
But there was also a flat feeling for Hayes afterwards. Hayes insists that success or failure in the Champions League will not define her reign; But because it is the only trophy she has yet to win with Chelsea, it provides a framework for the final weeks of her twelve years in charge. However, the truth is that Chelsea have too much to think about, which is why the second half against Ajax was played almost on cruise control. There’s no denying the quadruple is underway, and the chase now begins in earnest against Arsenal on Sunday.
Chelsea have lost the League Cup final in the previous two seasons but can take revenge on the Gunners for last year’s defeat when they met at Molineux. The two meetings between the London rivals this season have already been one-sided in favor of the hosts, with a 4-1 at the Emirates and a 3-1 at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea will be the favorites against Jonas Eidevall’s side, but their third meeting on neutral ground may be closer.
Captain Millie Bright could return after the international break and the England centre-back’s absence is a reminder of the injuries Chelsea have endured as they maintain their lead on four fronts. Chelsea have managed to cope admirably; virtually everyone else is back, apart from perhaps the most significant absence of all: Sam Kerr, who is out for the rest of the season with an ACL injury.
Ramirez’s clinical finish, who was unavailable in Amsterdam, showed that there is strength and depth back in Chelsea’s squad, especially in attacking options. “There’s more variety, more experience,” Hayes said. She made six substitutions against Ajax, more than Hayes could have afforded last season, but after a somewhat shaky start, Chelsea continued to show authority. Twenty-year-old winger Aggie Beever-Jones shone with a bright, weaving performance in the Champions League quarter-final and is one of those who has benefited from stepping up in the absence.
Although Bright’s return would be a boost as the Blues enter familiar territory. Hayes’ side have won four straight WSL titles and the last three FA Cups, and they are seven games away from extending those remarkable records in the two biggest domestic competitions. It remains the backbone of Chelsea and Hayes’ success and the place where they demonstrate their ability to win trophies despite adversity.
There will be five games in the WSL title race and the toughest tests will be on the road: at Tottenham, against an improved Liverpool, and on the final day on May 18, away to a bruised Manchester United at Old Trafford. Although Chelsea’s fate is not entirely in their hands and they would not be confirmed as champions even if they win all five, as goal difference, level with Manchester City, will decide the title if Gareth Taylor’s challengers also remain perfect. One advantage Chelsea may have is that, with the WSL matches rearranged to make room for the Champions League, they know what they need.
At least they retain full control of their FA Cup defence. Manchester United are not the same side that beat Chelsea to the title and completed the double at Wembley last season, but there will be battles again in the two competitions when they meet in the semi-finals of the FA Cup. Their first match back after the international break. Should Hayes’ side appear in a repeat of last season’s final and return to Wembley on May 12, they will face a first-time finalist in Tottenham or Leicester.
But the Champions League is a different beast and in the semi-finals Chelsea will likely face a rematch against Barcelona, the defending champions and finalists in four of the past five seasons. Chelsea were disciplined and resilient enough to earn a draw at Camp Nou last April, ending Barcelona’s home run in Europe.
Chelsea will need to offer more if they are to progress over two legs, although the fact that Lauren James started neither home nor away last season, which is now unthinkable, suggests that Chelsea may be better suited to the task and can offer opponents including Aitana Bonmati and some other players. of the best players in the world more problems.
To join Chelsea, the holders must first beat Norway’s Brann after taking a 2-1 lead against Spain. There, Barcelona remains untouchable in their own country and has won 20 of the 21 games in the Primera Division. They consolidated their grip on Europe last season after a 3-2 comeback win over Wolfsburg in the Eindhoven final.
Chelsea and Hayes were not in Eindhoven; it was the only possible match of Chelsea’s campaign last year in which they failed to make it. Their total then was 40. Now the dream of 41 and a farewell to Bilbao at the start of the summer remains alive with the arrival of spring, as Chelsea enter a period of 55 days and four tournaments that will define Hayes’ final chapter .