Nine changes from their last Liga F fixture had the hosts, as FC Barcelona geared up to further defend their UEFA Women’s Champions League title as they host Chelsea in the semi final stages of the European competition.

As for Emma Hayes’s Blues, the London side welcome back captain Millie Bright after a prolonged spell on the sidelines.

BAR: Cata Coll; Batlle, Paredes, Engen, Rölfo, Bonmatí, Walsh, Guijarro, Graham Hansen, Paralluelo, Caldentey

CHE: Hampton; Lawrence, Carter, Buchanan, Charles, Leuploz, Cuthbert, Nüsken, Kaneryd, Ramirez, James

Caroline Graham Hansen looked electric from the outset, having scored in every single meeting with the Blues (3) so far. Combining well with Aitana Bonmatí did the Norwegian forward, though the Blues did well to clear play away from potential danger.

The first corner of the game came in the sixth minute of play, as Mariona Caldentey searched to find an advancing Salma Paralluelo inside of the area. A gutsy clearance from Jess Carter saw the cross cut out and launched beyond the goal line for a corner. Despite a well-hit cross from Graham Hansen, the hosts were unable to convert inside of the area.

The visitors began to look lively, as Lauren James claimed territory in the wide area. The English forward sent a good looking ball into the box, though none of her teammates were able to reap the rewards. Barcelona would be next to stream forward on the counter attack, before Paralluelo was stopped in her tracks by a controversial non-foul.

Chelsea again looked lively, as Mayra Ramirez did well to leave Ingrid Engen in her wake, before locating Melanie Leupolz outside of the area. The Blues midfielder struck well, though her attempt rolled wide of the target.

The first shot on target of the afternoon came incredibly late in the first term, as Sjoeke Nüsken’s footwork brilliantly evaded her markers inside of the area. A first touch around her marker saw Erin Cuthbert on her preferred foot, before she sent the net rippling with a top-corner finish that gave the Blues the advantage in the 40th minute of play.

Play was back underway in the second term, as Barcelona looked hungry to make up the deficit at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys.

It wouldn’t be long before the hosts believed they would be given an opportunity to find the equaliser, as Patri Guijarro liked her chances from outside of the area. The Barcelona midfielder’s strike was caught in the air by the arm of Kadeisha Buchanan, as the referee signalled to the spot for a penalty kick. Though VAR would have it’s say, as Salma Paralluelo’s offside position saw the penalty kick ruled out as a result.

The hosts looked rattled as the clock ran down, whilst Chelsea capitalised on their forward momentum in the final third. James did well to pivot in possession, though her strike flew just wide of the intended target.

Barcelona pushed forward with conviction, as Putellas and Rölfo combined well to craft an entry into the final third. Though desperate defending from the Chelsea last line forced another clearance, as the hosts once again failed to register their first shot on target for the afternoon.

Ramirez streamed forward with intent, beating out two defenders to finesse her way into a strike inside of the area. Despite her best efforts to scrounge a shot-off, the Chelsea striker’s attempt flew off the intended target.

The final five minutes of regular time saw Graham Hansen showcase her magic, as the Norwegian sent a brilliant ball toward the back post for Paralluelo. The Spanish forward met the cross with a well-timed run, though her strike was mistimed and flew wildly off target.

A last minute effort from the hosts saw Alexia Putellas handed a golden opportunity in the last kick of the game- though the Barcelona captain failed to convert inside of the area and sent her shot wide.

The Halfway Line Player of the Match: Jess Carter

The Blues bring a one goal advantage back to London, as a brilliant performance in Barcelona sees Chelsea put their noses in front in what is sure to be a thrilling second-leg at Stamford Bridge.