Mayra Ramirez first-half strike was cancelled out by Chasity Grant in the 65th minute, as Chelsea progressed to the Women’s Champions League semi-finals for the fifth time under Emma Hayes.
Here are five things we learned from the game.
Chelsea’s first-leg score rescued them from a potential upset
Chelsea may have bolstered their aggregate lead when Mayra Ramirez netted in the 33rd minute but after Grant equalised, the Blues failed to respond, and could conceded on multiple occasions throughout the 90 minutes. Romee Leuchter found plenty of joy against Kadeisha Buchanan, but struggled to apply a clinical touch. Ajax’s all-time top goal scorer spun the Canadian defender well, and with plenty of time dragged her shot well wide. Her second attempt again came after wrestling past Buchanan, but the Dutchwoman’s volley flashed wide and any potential nerves of losing a 3-0 lead were evaded.
Mayra Ramirez returns to the starting line-up with a bang
Ramirez’s early Chelsea career had been perfectly captured in this game. The Blues’ record transfer has shown glimpses of quality that has justified her fee, but at times has struggled during her spell in London. This was her first start for Chelsea after going off injured against Manchester City and the Colombian returned with a goal, collecting Guro Reiten’s pass and tucking her shot under Regina van Eijk. The forward could have added to her third Chelsea goal nine minutes later, but steered Agnes Beever-Jones cross well-wide from close range.
Zecira Musovic made up for her two errors
Hannah Hampton had a rare night off, and Musovic stepped in, and for 81 minutes the Swedish goalkeeper had a night to forget. In the first half, she smacked the ball against Tiny Hoekstra, and the ball trickled past the right post to the relief of Musovic. Her evening wouldn’t get much better as she let Grant’s equaliser squirm under her. But with nine minutes remaining she produced a wonderful reaction save to deny Leuchter, and then in the final moments of the game flicked Danique Tolhoek’s whipped effort over the crossbar to salvage a draw for Chelsea.
Sjoeke Nusken’s versatility will be key for Chelsea
Nusken scored a brace in the first-leg playing as the most attacking midfielder and after helping her side build a healthy buffer, the German started on the bench for this game. She came on in the 66th minute and slotted in alongside Jess Carter at centre back. The Blues had failed to deal with Ajax’s youthful attack at that point, but on her arrival Nusken helped solidify the defence. With Chelsea still competing in four competitions, and key players in defence missing, such as Millie Bright, and attackers Sam Kerr and Mia Fishel sidelined for the rest of the season, Nusken’s ability to fill in in multiple positions will be much appreciated by Emma Hayes.
A potential clash with Barcelona awaits
Although progressing into the semi-finals 4-1 on aggregate, the overall scoreline flattered Hayes’ side. The Chelsea head coach will be aware that they will need to improve in the semi-final, which could be against Barcelona, a side that Hayes has never had much joy against. The Blues have played the Spanish team four times in their history and have never registered a win, which included last season’s two-legged semi-final. The current holders of the UWCL face Brann on Thursday and currently hold a 2-1 advantage and if they do progress, Hayes will have to beat a long-running foe in order to deliver European glory in her final year in charge.
