by As Chelsea returned to the semi-finals of the Women’s Champions League, the celebrations were rather short-lived. “We’re looking forward to being here,” said an exhausted Emma Hayes. Hayes admitted she was tired, and with another game to think about, another plan to put together, it was no surprise how quickly Chelsea had to move on after this completely comfortable win over Ajax .
For Hayes, the prospect of a 41st game in Chelsea’s season is still alive and well, the end far away but fast approaching. After 12 years in charge, Hayes and Chelsea have a maximum of 11 games left in their final season. Chelsea could win four trophies in 55 days, starting with Sunday’s League Cup final.
Although progress to the semi-finals of the Champions League cannot be taken for granted, the calm mood at Stamford Bridge reflected the sense that Chelsea’s night was never in danger, thanks to their stunning 3- 0 in Amsterdam last week. If their progress was not in danger, Mayra Ramirez’s smart finish before the break left no doubt and ensured Chelsea’s return to the semi-finals even when Ajax later pulled back. It could set up a rematch against Barcelona, and Stamford Bridge will then be ready for the arrival of the European champions, for Hayes’ final at Chelsea’s main stadium.
But Hayes also had a meltdown after that. Hayes insists success or failure in the Champions League will not define his reign; but as this is the only trophy she has yet to win with Chelsea, it frames these final weeks of her 12 years in charge. The truth, however, is that Chelsea have too much to think about, which is why their second half against Ajax was played almost on cruise control. There is no escaping the fact that the fourth goal is on, and the chase now begins in earnest against Arsenal on Sunday.
Chelsea have lost the League Cup final in the previous two seasons but can exact revenge on the Gunners for last year’s defeat when they meet Molineux. The two encounters between the London rivals this season have already been one-sided in favor of the hosts, with 4-1 at the Emirates and 3-1 at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea are favorites against Jonas Eidevall’s side but their third meeting at a neutral venue may be closer to them.
Captain Millie Bright could return after the international break and the absence of the England centre-back is a reminder of the injuries Chelsea have dealt with on four fronts. Chelsea have coped admirably – almost everyone else is back, apart from perhaps the most important absence of all in Sam Kerr, who is out for the rest of the season with an ACL injury.
The clinical finish from Ramirez, who was not available in Amsterdam, showed that there is strength and depth in the Chelsea squad again, especially in attacking options. “There’s more variety, more experience,” Hayes said. She made six changes against Ajax, more than Hayes could afford to make last season, but, after a somewhat sluggish start, Chelsea continued to show authority. The 20-year-old Aggie Beever-Jones shone with a bright, weaving display in the Champions League quarter-final and is one of those who have benefited from stepping up amid the absences.
Although it would be a boost for Bright to return as the Blues enter familiar territory. Hayes’ side have won four consecutive WSL titles and the last three FA Cups, and are seven games away from extending those impressive records across the two major domestic competitions. It remains the backbone of Chelsea and Hayes’ success and where they demonstrate their ability to win trophies through adversity.
The WSL title race comes to five games and the toughest tests will be on the road: at Tottenham, against an improved Liverpool, and, on the final day on May 18, away to crushed Manchester United at Old Trafford. Although Chelsea’s fate is not entirely in their hands and they would not be confirmed as champions even if they won all five because, level on points with Manchester City, goal difference will decide the title if Gareth Taylor’s challengers also remain perfect. A possible advantage for Chelsea is that they will know what they will need as the WSL fixtures are rearranged to make room for the Champions League.
They have complete control of their defense in the FA Cup, at least. Manchester United are not the same side that beat Chelsea to the title and edged out Wembley to complete the double last season but the two competitions will once again do battle as they meet in the FA Cup semi-finals. Their first game back after the international break. If Hayes’ side can repeat last season’s final and return to Wembley on May 12, they will face first-time rivals Tottenham or Leicester.
But the Champions League is a different beast and in the semi-finals, Chelsea will likely face a rematch with Barcelona – the defending champions and finalists in four of the past five seasons. Chelsea were disciplined and resilient enough to win a game at Camp Nou last April, ending Barcelona’s European home run.
Chelsea will have to offer more if they are to progress beyond two goals, although Lauren James not starting at home or away last season, which is now unimaginable, suggests that Chelsea may be better suited to the task and offer to opponents including Aitana Bonmati and some. of the best players in the world more problems.
To join Chelsea, the holders need to beat Norway’s Brann after returning a 2-1 advantage to Spain. Barcelona are untouchable at home there, having won 20 out of 21 games in the Primera Division. They strengthened their hold on Europe last season with a 3-2 comeback win over Wolfsburg in the Eindhoven final.
Chelsea and Hayes were not in Eindhoven; it was the only possible game of Chelsea’s campaign last year that they did not reach. Their score then was 40. Now the dream of 41 and a farewell to Bilbao at the start of the summer is still alive with the arrival of spring as Chelsea embark on a four-match 55-day period that will determine Hayes’ final chapter.
