Chelsea advanced to the Champions League semi-finals with a dominant 3-0 victory over Manchester City in their quarter-final second leg, securing a 3-2 aggregate win.
The Blues, who were playing City for the fourth consecutive time, had to give their all at Stamford Bridge after losing the away leg 2-0, marking their first defeat across all competitions this season.
Sandy Baltimore put Chelsea ahead in the 14th minute, followed by Nathalie Bjorn’s header for a second goal, and Mayra Ramirez added the decisive third before halftime.
Sonia Bompastor’s side will now face defending champions Barcelona, who comfortably advanced to the semi-finals with a 6-1 win over Wolfsburg.
Chelsea’s Lauren James had an early opportunity, stealing the ball from Gracie Prior and rushing forward to take a shot across the goal, which goalkeeper Khiara Keating managed to touch. Bjorn almost gave the hosts the lead in the 10th minute, hitting the crossbar with a header from a corner, while Lucy Bronze’s shot from inside the penalty area also hit the woodwork.
The breakthrough came when Baltimore’s shot from the rebound struck the far post but bounced favorably, allowing it to beat the City keeper.
Keira Walsh also tried her luck with a shot through a crowd, and both teams had several chances as the match picked up pace, with Kerolin testing Chelsea goalkeeper Hampton just before halftime.
Erin Cuthbert appealed for a penalty after being pulled down by City captain Laia Aleixandri, but the referee waved it off.
Chelsea continued to press, with Baltimore forcing Keating into a save with a long-range shot. Baltimore’s corner in the 38th minute led to Bjorn’s powerful header, leveling the aggregate score.
Just before the break, Ramirez put Chelsea in front, finishing a well-worked move after a throw-in. James won the ball and passed to Ramirez, who calmly slotted it into the corner.
The second half started with Keating claiming a cross from Baltimore, and while the game remained active, there were no significant chances to alter the score until Johanna Rytting Kaneryd was denied just after the hour mark, followed shortly by Cuthbert.
City remained in the game as Vivianne Miedema fired wide with less than 20 minutes left, while they worked hard to contain Rytting Kaneryd, who had become an increasing threat.
Cuthbert came close to a fourth for Chelsea, hitting the top of Keating’s crossbar with a long-range shot, and Rytting Kaneryd saw a late attempt skim the bar.
