Hayes still upbeat after Hansen hits a howitzer
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EMMA HAYES insisted Chelsea are still in their Champions League semi-final tie after a 1-0 first leg defeat to Barcelona.
The Blues went down to a superb curling strike from Caroline Graham Hansen that flew past Ann-katrin Berger, stunning Stamford Bridge after just four minutes.
Chelsea nearly levelled when Guro Reiten rounded the keeper but England’s Lucy Bronze made a goalsaving block. Bronze, 31, went down off the ball in the 66th minute and was substituted immediately.
“It was something in her knee, but now she is fine,” said Barcelona boss Jonatan Giraldez.
The scare came a day after England captain Leah Williamson was ruled out of the World Cup with an ACL injury.
“We made the substitution because it looked bad, but in this moment the feeling is really good,” added Giraldez.
Chelsea manager Hayes, whose side were beaten 4-0 by the Spanish giants in the 2021 final, said her side showed how much they have progressed by staying in the contest.
“You have to be perfect to beat these guys, they’re amazing,” said Hayes. “We had a big chance with Guro, we have to be better on the ball in the right moments.
“But I think I’m grateful the tie wasn’t over after 25 minutes. “I see that as progress. You have to be in the tie and we are. We have to prepare again for another game.
“Our players have experienced that game and it’s important we learn from that.” Forwards Geyse and Hansen (above) also forced good saves from Berger in the first half as the visitors controlled early proceedings after the goal. CHELSEA: Berger 7; Perisset 7 (Kaneryd (83) 7), Mjelde 6, Eriksson 7, Carter 6; Cuthbert 6 (Ingle (68) 6), Leupolz 7, Reiten 7 (Harder (83) 6), Cankovic 6 (James (46) 7); Charles 6, Kerr 7 BARCELONA: Panos 6; Paredes 6, Leon 6, Bronze 7 (Torrejon (67) 6), Rolfo 6, Guijarro 6, Walsh 8 (Engen (83) 6), Bonmati 7; Hansen 9 (Oshoala (83) 6), Geyse 8 (Caldentey (60) 6), Paralluelo 6 (Crongorcevic (83) 6) STAR PLAYER: Caroline Graham Hansen – Early moment of magic settled things. REF: Jana Adamkova 6