Chelsea's Champions League hopes slipped away at Stamford Bridge as they drew 1-1 with Barcelona in a match that will have left Blues fans feeling frustrated and disappointed. The Blues dominated possession for most of the first half, creating several goalscoring opportunities, but their inability to capitalize on these chances ultimately proved costly.
Ellie Carpenter gave Chelsea the lead just before halftime, thumping home from close range after a blocked shot by Barbara Dunsmore in the Barcelona box. However, just eight minutes later, Ewa Pajor equalized for Barcelona, capitalizing on a loose ball after a corner kick was not cleared.
Despite trailing, Chelsea continued to press, creating several more chances but failing to capitalize. Substitite Catarina Macario had one goal rule out for offside, and when the full-time whistle blew, Bompastor's team knew they had blown their chance to beat Barcelona and remain top of the table in European competition.
"This is an opportunity missed for Chelsea," said former defender Anita Asante. "This is the best performance I've seen from them all season, but they will be delighted with how they approached the game." Barcelona manager Pere Romeu admitted his team had been frustrated by Girma's defensive solidity and acknowledged that Chelsea had been the better side throughout most of the match.
While Bompastor expressed frustration at not winning, she was also keen to praise the team's overall performance, saying: "I'm really pleased with the performance. Everyone worked hard."
Chelsea has now dropped to sixth in the league phase table - two points behind their Spanish visitors. With their European title hopes slipping away, Blues fans can only hope that they will be able to regroup and mount a stronger challenge in their next match.
Ellie Carpenter gave Chelsea the lead just before halftime, thumping home from close range after a blocked shot by Barbara Dunsmore in the Barcelona box. However, just eight minutes later, Ewa Pajor equalized for Barcelona, capitalizing on a loose ball after a corner kick was not cleared.
Despite trailing, Chelsea continued to press, creating several more chances but failing to capitalize. Substitite Catarina Macario had one goal rule out for offside, and when the full-time whistle blew, Bompastor's team knew they had blown their chance to beat Barcelona and remain top of the table in European competition.
"This is an opportunity missed for Chelsea," said former defender Anita Asante. "This is the best performance I've seen from them all season, but they will be delighted with how they approached the game." Barcelona manager Pere Romeu admitted his team had been frustrated by Girma's defensive solidity and acknowledged that Chelsea had been the better side throughout most of the match.
While Bompastor expressed frustration at not winning, she was also keen to praise the team's overall performance, saying: "I'm really pleased with the performance. Everyone worked hard."
Chelsea has now dropped to sixth in the league phase table - two points behind their Spanish visitors. With their European title hopes slipping away, Blues fans can only hope that they will be able to regroup and mount a stronger challenge in their next match.
Chelsea was on fire for like 45 minutes, creating so many chances but just couldn't score 
I mean, Ellie Carpenter's goal was amazing 
, but then Barcelona equalized and it was all over 
. The Blues fans are gonna be so frustrated, can you blame them? 
The team worked hard, though, and that's what matters 
Catarina Macario almost scored, too 
, but offside and all that. I feel bad for the Chelsea squad, they had their chances, but just couldn't capitalize 
.
. They had all these chances but just couldn't put the ball in the back of the net. It's like they're playing two different teams out there - one that's actually trying and another that's just phoning it in 
. Girma's been solid as a rock, but the rest of them need to step up their game. And Ellie Carpenter's goal was amazing, but I mean what happened on the other end? 
Barcelona took advantage of nothing and you can't say they deserved that draw. Chelsea had all the control, but just couldn't close out the win. Bompastor should be honest with herself and her team about what's going wrong because right now it's clear.
. Ellie's goal was a great moment though, she really showed off her skills 
. And I don't think I want to know what happened on the pitch with Catarina Macario... maybe it'll stay on the pitch 
. Either way, they've gotta dust themselves off and come back stronger next match 
.
I'm so bummed out about this one! Chelsea totally had it in the bag but just couldn't seal the deal 
They should've capitalized on those chances and who knows, maybe they would've been top of the table now 
️
. And I mean, they did dominate possession for most of that first half 
, so we can't say they weren't in the game at all 
.
. And let's be real, Barcelona had some pretty scary moments too 
. It's not all doom and gloom 
... they can learn from this and come back stronger in their next match 
, no offense meant. But seriously though, six is still a pretty decent spot in the league phase table, so it's not all doom and gloom... yet