Chelsea Women v Barcelona, UWCL semifinal first leg preview

Back-to-back Ballon d’Or Feminin winner Alexia Putellas is the her final stages of her recovery from her ACL tear with the potential of her return at some point during this semifinal clash. Even without Putellas, Barca possesses threats from all over the pitch. In both Europe and domestically, Giraldez’s side has 18 different goal scorers including eight players that have totaled three or more assists.

It is not only the Nigerian international Asisat Oshoala finding the back of the net for Barca this season. Though she has 19 goals in both Europe and Liga F, the depth of this team is what makes it so dangerous. From Bonmati to Maria Pilar Leon and Swedish international Fridolina Rolfo, this squad poses so many problems with the kind of players that can hurt a backline. Without Bright and potentially Buchanan, the job is going to be incredibly tough. Even with this squad at full strength, the chances of beating a team like Barca are quite small.

Going into Camp Nou with the kind of crowds that club is pulling in is one of the most difficult things to do in women’s football. Champions League matches at the Bridge have been something special for the Blues this season. They are going to need that same kind of magic if this upset is even going to be a possibility.

Seeing Pernille Harder back in the squad over the weekend is huge for a team that needs reinforcements, but at the end of the day, it is going to come down to if this back line can handle the continuous pressure being thrown at them.