Chelsea’s dreams of a quadruple crushed in the UWCL final
A month removed from the Chelsea men ending Manchester City’s dream of a quadruple, Emma Hayes’ side found itself on the other side of things on Sunday. Having already won the League Cup and the FA Women’s Super League, the Blues were going for their third trophy this season in the form of the UEFA Women’s Champions League. They overcame the odds—and a 2-1 deficit against Bayern Munich—to make it to their first final in the competition. Chelsea became the first club in history to have its men’s and women’s first teams in Champions League final during the same season in the process.
The Blues were unfortunately beaten by Barcelona though as the Blaugranes delivered the fatal blow to their quadruple hopes. The Catalonian club clobbered Chelsea from the off and controlled the contest throughout the duration. Barcelona went on to lift the trophy after dispatching of the Blues quite convincingly, by a score of 4-0, something few teams in recent years have been capable of doing.
The Spanish side established its dominance from the opening minute of the game. Barcelona took the lead in less than 60 seconds, scoring what would prove to be the go-ahead goal via a wicked deflection. Fran Kirby’s clearance following a dangerous Lieke Martens run into the Blues’ penalty area deflected off the heel of Melanie Leupolz and ricocheted into the top corner. It was a soul-crushing first moment on a night that was supposed to be full of glorious achievements for Chelsea.
The second goal brought back some cruel “UEFAlona” memories for Blues faithful. The Blaugranes were gifted a phantom penalty in the 14′ after an attacker went down in the penalty area and let out a scream that resembled an individual being tortured. The incident—similar to the Bruno Fernandes penalty against Aston Villa in July 2020 where the Manchester United midfielder stamped on a defender’s leg and went down—went to VAR. Chelsea’s rotten luck with video replay this week continued and the penalty stood. It was calmly slotted home by Alexia Putellas to double Barcelona’s lead.
The Blues’ defensive woes only worsened from there as the Spaniards slid another two past them in quick succession. Despite Hayes throwing the kitchen sink at Barcelona, Chelsea was unable to even grab a consolation goal on the night, much less overturn the 4-0 halftime deficit. The Blues simply made too many mistakes early on and one of the best women’s teams of all-time capitalized—no more, no less. Regardless, the feeling of humiliation will soon subside and every individual associated with the squad will be able to hold their heads high knowing the amazing things they’ve accomplished thus far.
Besides, the Blues will be back. One would be foolish to count out this resilient side. You sometimes have to experience Moscow before reaching Munich. We’ve been gutted in Gothenburg, will we triumph in Turin?
It’s been a terrible last few days for Chelsea Football Club, but it’s often easy to overlook the season’s accomplishments in the face of defeat. The Blues have already secured two trophies and a Community Shield this season. Finishing runners-up in the Champions League is nothing to shrug off either. The chance for one more trophy still exists and there’s no doubt in anybody’s mind that Hayes will have her squad ready to fight once again.
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Chelsea squares off against Everton in the FA Cup fifth round on Thursday from Kingsmeadow.