Chelsea Women: 3 takeaways from first leg UWCL defeat to Barcelona

2. Maren Mjelde leads superb defensive display after conceding the goal

Considering how much talent that Barca has throughout its roster, the depleted west London defense held its own. Without Millie Bright and Kadeisha Buchanan, Hayes’ side is missing quality on the ball, leadership, and experience on big stages like the UWCL. Carter, Eriksson, and the hero against Lyon, Mjelde frustrated an attack that featured world-class talents like Salma Celeste Paralluelo Ayingono, Graham Hanson, Geyse, and Aitana Bonmati.

Mjelde and Carter combined for an astounding 20 clearances through 90 minutes at the Bridge, rescuing the Blues at times with the away side attacking the backline with purpose. Five different players totaled three or more tackles as the west London outfit used a team effort to keep a side averaging 3.2 goals per game since February 11 to just one. Hayes’ defense was consistently in the right place at the right time, firing the ball up the field to reset the potent Barca attack.

Despite not receiving much playing time throughout this 2022/23 campaign, the Norwegian international Mjelde continues to demonstrate why she is a the definition of a true professional both on and off the pitch. Hayes can slot the 33-year-old on the wing, in the midfield, or in the center of the defense. She seamlessly filled a massive void left by injuries, showing up on the big stage in the Champions League for the west Londoners once again.