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

3. Down by a goal heading to Spain is not a bad place to be

The atmosphere at Camp Nou is unlike any other the west London outfit will encounter in world football. Coming back from down a goal against Barca is a task that is going to test this side to the max, but at least the margin is not more than a goal. If the Spanish juggernaut were to beat Berger even one more time at the Bridge, the CL final would be far out of reach for the injury-riddled Blues. The chances were few and far between for the Blues in the first leg, but there was enough for the west London outfit to be able to see that they can break down Barca’s defense.

Pernille Harder made it back on the pitch for the first time since November, providing some positive signs that she may be able to play a much larger part in the leg away from home. En route to the 2021 final, the west London side came back against Bayern Munich a goal down after the first leg, netting four just a week later in the second 90 minutes to lift Hayes’ team to its first Champions League final. Barca has not lost a second leg of a Champions League tie since 2018 in the quarterfinal loss to Lyon. 

Giraldez’s side has let in three goals all season under the lights at Camp Nou, proving it can be done. If it was not for the heroic defensive display by the home side, the west London side would be in a much larger hole heading to east coast of Spain. It is all about capitalizing on the chances that do come the Blues way next time out. One moment of magic on the offensive end. That is all it takes to send shock waves throughout a squad that is not used to facing any sort of adversity domestically.