BLUE HAYES
Chelsea’s European dreams hit for four
EMMA HAYES endured a night of misery as Chelsea’s Champions League dream fell apart after just 33 seconds.
That’s how long it took for a freak own goal from Melanie Leupolz to shatter the Blues, who went on to be humiliated in Gothenburg.
Boss Hayes was hoping to inspire a first Women’s Champions League trophy for Chelsea after owner Roman Abramovich flew in specially.
The league title and League Cup were already in the bag, but they were brought down by a ruthless Barcelona.
The start was just plain odd. Lieke Martens hit the bar after 25 seconds, but Fran Kirby’s attempted clearance hit Leupolz and flew in.
Chelsea could have levelled within seconds as Pernille Harder’s shot from Jess Carter’s cross was pushed wide.
But the confidence of Chelsea’s defence had been dented, and things got worse on 14 minutes with a controversial penalty, with Leupolz again involved after being adjudged to have fouled Jenni Hermoso.
Alexia Putellas’ left-footed spot kick gave Ann-Katrin Berger no chance.
Chelsea’s heads dropped as Barca, who had won all 26 domestic games, scoring 128 goals, played some silky stuff.
The third goal on 20 minutes was a joy to watch. A series of one-touch passes ended with Hermoso setting up Aitana Bonmati to finish. A fourth arrived 16 minutes later thanks to sublime play by Martens, who crossed for Caroline Graham Hansen to tap in.
Incredibly the Catalan side had never won the competition.
Chelsea can still win a third trophy this season with the FA Cup, but Hayes wants the Champions League.
At least her side were better in the second half. Sam Kerr could not get on the end of a Kirby cross while Harder headed straight at Sandra Panos.
Kerr went close with another header but at the other end sub Asisat Oshoala was denied Barca’s fifth by an offside flag. CHELSEA (4-3-3): Berger 6; Charles 4, Bright 5, Eriksson 5, Carter 3; Leupolz 3 (Reiten 46, 6), Ingle 5, Ji 5 (Cuthbert 73); Kirby 5, Harder 6, Kerr 6 (England 73). BARCELONA (4-3-3): Panos 6; Torrejon 6, Guijarro 6, Leon 6, Ouahabi 6; Bonmati 8, Hamraoui 7, Putellas 8 (Losada 71); Martens 9, Hermoso 8 (Oshoala 71), Hansen 8 (Caldentey 62, 6). Goals: Leupolz 1 og, Putellas 14 pen, Bonmati 20, Hansen 36.