19 April 2024 , 18:50
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Emma Hayes says she is “not thinking about fairytales” as Chelsea look to make it third time lucky against Barcelona in the Women’s Champions League.
Barcelona beat the Blues in the 2021 final and in last season’s semi-finals. Now they face off again in this season’s final four, in Hayes’ final shot at winning European football’s biggest prize before leaving at the end of the season and taking over the US women’s national team.
And the Chelsea boss believes that it was inevitable that, at some point, their paths would cross.
"They are world class with unbelievable players,” said Hayes. "But I'm not thinking about fairytales. [Barcelona] have been a top team in Europe in recent years.
“They are deserving of all the accolades they have achieved but it's a football match. There are two legs. All our job has been is to get ourselves in a position to get here in the competition.
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“[Now] we're happy for it to be our turn in the semi-finals. We understand the team and the opponent.
"I think Barcelona's team will go down in history as one of the greatest women's teams ever. They've done amazing things on the pitch. People don't realise how hard it is to play against them."
Alexia Putellas of FC Barcelona celebrates with the UEFA Women's Champions League Trophy after last season's successChelsea have captain Millie Bright - absent since November through injury - back available, while Lauren James is expected to return to the starting lineup after missing Wednesday’s 3-0 win over Aston Villa in the WSL.
Barcelona, still on track to win four trophies this term, are expected to be backed by a boisterous crowd of 37,000 at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys, something Chelsea midfielder Erin Cuthbert can’t wait for.
"Every game, for the past couple of months, has felt like a cup final. It's a must-win, every game," said Cuthbert. "I love this part of the season, I thrive on this pressure of performing.
"It brings out a different side of me, a different animal, and I'm really excited to play against some of the best players in the world and show them what I can do as well."
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