Chelsea vs Man City LIVE: Hosts Stage Epic Comeback to Reach Women’s Champions League Semi-Finals After Shocking First Half
Live – Last updated at 10:49 PM
Chelsea produced a stunning first-half performance to overturn Manchester City 's initial-leg advantage at Stamford Bridge and advance to the Women’s Champions League semifinals for the third consecutive season.
Trailing 2-0 from Last week's initial match in Manchester , Chelsea started off at an impressive pace with a dominant performance during Sonia Bompastor , with goals scored three times before the breakthrough by Sandy Baltimore, Nathalie Björn, and Mayra Ramirez.
It had potential to be even better, but Khiara Keating’s saveskept City in contention for the match. Vivianne Miedema , who netted both goals in City’s victory last week, came near to leveling the score in the second half with a shot that zipped just wide of the target.
But it’s Chelsea who moved forward. to become part of Arsenal for the upcoming month's semi-finals The Blues will face the defending champions, Barcelona, yet again. In the previous two seasons, Barcelona has eliminated Chelsea in the semifinals.
Stay updated with all the reactions from the Women’s Champions League using our live blog below:
Chelsea versus Manchester City live
- FULL-TIME! Chelsea advances to the semi-finals after reversing Manchester City's two-goal advantage
- Chelsea secured a 3-0 victory on the night, advancing with a 3-2 aggregate score to set up a semi-final clash with defending champions Barcelona.
- 44' GOAL! James assists Ramirez as he nets Chelsea's third in this impressive first half (CHE 3-0 MCI)
- 38' GOAL! Bjorn's header floats in, and Chelsea fight back to equalize on aggregate (CHE 2-0 MCI)
- 33' CHANCE NARROWLY MISSED! Miedema makes a crucial clearance off the line as Chelsea maintains their dominance (CHE 1-0 MCI)
- 13' GOAL! Baltimore scores with an excellent shot following Bronze hitting the post (CHE 1-0 MCI)
- 10' POST! Bjorn's header strikes the upright as Chelsea attempt an early lead (CHE 0-0 MCI)
"A genuine Chelsea display" - Millie Bright
22:20 , Flo CliffordA cheerfully scoring Nathalie Bjorn and team captain Millie Bright converse with each other. Sky Sports after the game.
We never doubted ourselves," Bright states about the comeback. "We possessed complete faith in our abilities. From the outset of the first leg, we saw chances to secure victory, hence we maintained strong self-belief and potentially could have scored well over three goals.
Incredible mindset and drive to return. This was a genuine Chelsea display.
Semi-final line-ups
22:15 , Flo CliffordTwo teams from England have reached the semifinals following Arsenal’s dramatic turnaround win at the Emirates Stadium yesterday evening.
The initial matches will take place on April 19th and 20th, followed by the return games on April 26th and 27th.
Here’s how everything compares:
- Barcelona v Chelsea
- Arsenal v Lyon
Chelsea move forward to the semi-finals.
21:58 , Flo CliffordJoyful celebrations erupted at Stamford Bridge as the Chelsea team revels in, you guessed it, Freed from Desire.
A stellar performance in the first half, featuring goals from Sandy Baltimore, Nathalie Bjorn, and Mayra Ramirez, proved to be the deciding factor.
FULL-TIME: Chelsea 3-0 Manchester City (aggregate score 3-2)
21:54 , Flo CliffordBronze takes her time during the throw-in, and that concludes the match! It's all over at Stamford Bridge!
Chelsea has advanced to the semi-finals, where they will face Barcelona consecutively for the third time. Coming back from being down 2-0 during this match was remarkable—there hadn’t been such a reversal in the Women’s Champions League in 21 years, and now it has occurred twice within two days.
Chelsea 3-0 Manchester City (aggregate score 3-2)
21:52 , Flo Clifford90+3 mins: A late challenge by Bronze against Fowler. With thirty seconds left, Keating attempts a free kick as every player from City advances towards the opposing team's half of the field.
Chelsea 3-0 Manchester City (aggregate score 3-2)
21:51 , Flo Clifford90+1 mins: FOUR additional minutes have been added on. Park appears energetic for City.
Coombs glides in near Bronze and acknowledges a penalty kick.
Chelsea is making a substitution as they aim to finish this match: Walsh is replaced by Jean-Francoisois. There was an amusing mix-up when Kaptein headed over, believing she was the one getting substituted.
Chelsea 3-0 Manchester City (aggregate score 3-2)
21:49 , Flo Clifford90 mins: Coombs initiates an impressive advance across the field following his interception of a careless pass from Bright, yet Chelsea successfully handle the situation before Fowler has a chance to reach it. This creates a tense instant for the home team.
Park manages to escape from Baltimore, yet Bjorn and Bright join forces to get rid of him—but City is still pressing forward! Could there be one last turn of events here?
Caroline attempts to dribble the ball between Bronze’s legs, but Hampton rushes out to prevent it.
Chance! Chelsea 3-0 Man City (agg 3-2)
21:46 , Flo Clifford87 mins: A relentless Rytting Kaneryd dashes forward once more, outmaneuvers Ouahabi to move inward, yet her effort sails wide of the target.
Chelsea continues to push forward, and Ouahabi fouls Kaptein with a tug, resulting in a free-kick. This action does not please the Spaniard.
Chelsea 3-0 Man City (agg 3-2)
21:43 , Flo Clifford85 mins: There are fewer than ten minutes remaining at Stamford Bridge. Based on current play, Chelsea seem headed towards yet another semi-final clash with Barcelona – they previously lost their last two encounters against them.
A visibly irritated Miedema is yelling and making gestures towards her teammates. The clock is ticking down, leaving little time for City to score an equalizer.
Hasegawa is substituted by Layzell, having performed remarkably given that she was using crutches just days earlier and managed almost a complete 90 minutes of play.
CHANCE! Chelsea 3-0 Manchester City (aggregate score 3-2)
21:39 , Flo Clifford80 mins: Baltimore passes it along to Kaptein, but the ball has too much pace on it and ends up going out of bounds behind him.
Fowler and Miedema provide an energetic presence at the opposite end for City, yet the away team isn’t seeing much tangible result from their efforts.
Cuthbert strikes the woodwork! She advances with the ball and takes a left-footed shot, but it ricochets off the crossbar.
Chelsea 3-0 Manchester City (aggregate score 3-2)
21:34 , Flo Clifford76 mins: Rytting Kaneryd has truly covered considerable ground this evening and takes off sprinting towards the right once more—but Beever-Jones cannot manage to reach it ahead of Keating as City manages to defuse the situation.
Hasegawa excels at gaining control of the ball, yet Chelsea pushes back into action! Rytting Kaneryd attempts a shot, but it deflects off Prior's feet towards Keating, who then makes an impressive save using their legs. It's turning out to be quite tense for City.
OPPORTUNITY! Chelsea 3-0 Manchester City (aggregate score 3-2)
21:31 , Flo Clifford72 mins: Ramirez, who scored the winning goal, exits the field—greeted with thunderous applause—from Aggie Beever-Jones. The match isn’t over yet, though our comeback might just have reached its conclusion.
Miedema takes a shot from the outskirts of the penalty area, but it brushes ever so slightly wide! What an opportunity.
Chelsea 3-0 Manchester City (aggregate score 3-2)
21:29 , Flo Clifford70 mins: Thanks to a deflection from Bjorn, Fowler earns a free-kick. Prior heads toward the goal, but even with players in the penalty area, nobody manages to make an impact.
Ouahabi takes a long-range punt at the goal and sends it over the crossbar. At this moment, City probably misses players like leading goalscorer Bunny Shaw.
James plays the ball for Rytting Kaneryd from the right side, but her cross goes directly to Keating.
Chelsea 3-0 Man City (agg 3-2)
21:24 , Flo Clifford65 mins: Casparij sets up Kerolin with a pass, but a beautifully bending cross is intercepted by Hampton, who takes his time before restarting the game.
For a moment, we remain in Chelsea’s half as Manchester City pushes ahead. Then, James takes control of the ball and launches a counterattack. Fowler receives it and attempts to make a precise pass through, but once more, Hampton intercepts.
Somewhat more promising from City, yet still lacking substance in the attacking areas.
Roord takes over for Jess Park.
Chelsea 3-0 Manchester City (aggregate score 3-2)
21:21 , Flo Clifford62 mins: The return of Kerolin is great news for the guests.
James sends a corner kick toward Kaptein, but Keating reaches it first. Now, Rytting Kaneryd advances and takes a shot at the goal, but the goalkeeper from the City team jumps up to push it away! Hasegawa might consider herself fortunate that Keating arrived in time since her mistake led to the City team losing possession.
Keating experiences a hectic few moments as she manages to make a good save against Cuthbert's effort!
Chelsea 3-0 Manchester City (aggregate score 3-2)
21:17 , Flo Clifford58 mins: It seems Baltimore gains possession of the ball, and during her follow-through, Kerolin catches her ankle.
A free-kick for City in a perilous position, right at the boundary of the penalty area, but if Kerolin is hurt – as she has stepped off the pitch for medical attention – they only have three more outfield players available to substitute.
Fowler hits it directly against the wall, and the bounce clears the danger as City’s eleven players regroup and apply pressure once more.
Yellow! Chelsea 3-0 Manchester City (aggregate score 3-2)
21:14 , Flo Clifford55 mins: Caroline goes down after being tackled near the penalty area by Baltimore, earning City a free-kick and a caution for the opponent’s defender. There are protests and jeers coming from Stamford Bridge regarding the referee's call. Caroline remains on the ground holding her ankle as medical staff rush onto the field.
Chelsea 3-0 Manchester City (aggregate score 3-2)
21:12 , Flo Clifford53 mins: It seems there was a check for a penalty due to handball by City, but it all concluded swiftly with no favorable outcome.
Baltimore takes a direct approach right into Keating's embrace. Chelsea seem quite composed at the moment; this second half has started more calmly compared to how intense the first one was.
Chelsea 3-0 Manchester City (aggregate score 3-2)
21:08 , Flo Clifford49 mins: Coombs quickly jumps into the thick of things. With greater experience under her belt, she enables Miedema — who has shed her gloves, signaling serious intent — to push higher up the field.
Aleixandri receives the initial caution of the night with a yellow card after shoving Ramirez.
Bronze secures a corner from Fowler following a perilous-looking Chelsea pressure that is halted. Despite Baltimore's response not being completely resolved right away, City manage to stay in contention.
SECOND HALFTIME: Chelsea 3-0 Manchester City (aggregate score 3-2)
21:04 , Flo Clifford45 mins: We have resumed play at Stamford Bridge. Cooms has replaced Murphy for the away team.
HALF-TIME: Chelsea 3-0 Manchester City (aggregate score 3-2)
20:55 , Flo CliffordRight from the start of the initial period, it was predominantlyChelsea, as they managed five shots on target within the first ten minutes before Baltimore delivered an impressive goal in the 13th minute.
So far, Chelsea’s defensive line has been impressive, with Bjorn scoring an equalizer via a looping header off a Baltimore corner kick. Adding to their strong performance, Ramirez sealed a remarkable turnaround shortly before halftime.
Chelsea might have scored more as well, since Miedema made a goal-line clearance and both Bjorn and Bronze struck the post.
Renee Slegers delivered an unforgettable team talk for Arsenal last night, inspiring them to stage a remarkable comeback with three goals post-half time and secure their spot in the semifinals. Could this be replicated by Nick Cushing at present?
HALF-TIME: Chelsea 3-0 Manchester City (aggregate score 3-2)
20:49 , Flo Clifford45+2 mins: The city team finds relief when the referee blows the whistle. Leading 2-0 at home, Chelsea now lead 3-2 overall and seem poised to extend this advantage following halftime.
Chelsea 3-0 Manchester City (aggregate score 3-2)
20:48 , Flo Clifford45 mins: Now City has an opportunity! Roord passes to Fowler, who turns but disregards Miedema in open space and takes a shot with Hampton lunging towards it.
An additional two minutes have been tacked on for City to either score or fall farther behind.
Ramirez has a one-on-one with Keating, but the goalkeeper stops her shot!
GOAL! Chelsea 3-0 Manchester City (aggregate score 3-2)
20:45 , Flo Clifford42 mins: It was far too simple for Chelsea, who have turned things around from being 2-0 behind to leading 3-2 and seem almost certain to secure their spot on the flight to Barcelona.
James takes control of an uneven square pass, plays it back to Ramirez, who then pushes the ball through the defenders' legs and into the goal.
Chelsea 2-0 Man City (agg 2-2)
20:43 , Flo Clifford42 mins: Rytting Kaneryd has been dynamic so far, and she's charging down the right flank once more, attempting to locate Cuthbert in the penalty area, however, it gets intercepted.
What will City do in response? They seem quite flustered right now.
Bright tries to pass to Ramirez, but Hasegawa intercepts and clears it to Keating. However, the goalkeeper from City botches the clearance and almost gets penalized for it.
Beautifully lofted shot from James but it went over the crossbar!
Goal! Chelsea 2-0 Manchester City (aggregate score 2-2)
20:39 , Flo Clifford37 mins: The score is level at Stamford Bridge!
Bjorn arrives at the scene thanks to yet another Baltimore set-piece; she directs a powerful header over a diving Miedema. Keating doesn’t even come close to reaching it.
Chelsea 1-0 Manchester City (aggregate score 1-2)
20:38 , Flo Clifford37 mins: The city gets a moment to relax as Keating is granted a timeout following his fall. Unsurprisingly, the spectators in the stands aren’t too pleased with this decision.
So far, Chelsea has taken 11 shots at goal, with 3 on target. They're being unrelenting. Manchester City has had five shots overall and three on target.
Now Ramirez dashes forward as Prior throws herself at it to clears through!
Opportunity upon opportunity! Chelsea 1-0 Manchester City (aggregate score 1-2)
20:35 , Flo Clifford33 mins: Huge wasted opportunity for City as Baltimore plays an incredibly loose back-pass, intercepted by Fowler. Kerolin’s there in acres of space on the right but Fowler opts to go it alone - and it’s booted way into the stands. Really poor.
She secures a corner kick, and Kerolin manages to get her foot on it, but Chelsea takes possession. Rytting Kaneryd swiftly embarks on an impressive run; however, Hasegawa intervenes near the goal line and clears the ball away.
Everything within City's penalty area at the moment as Keating manages to tip away a high-long shot, followed by City taking an eternity to clear a James corner kick which bounces chaotically inside the box—Miedema clears it off the line before it finally gets cleared away.
CHANCE! Chelsea 1-0 Manchester City (aggregate score 1-2)
20:31 , Flo Clifford30 mins: The city attempts a corner kick, but it's too powerful, and Ouahabi can't reach it from the far post. At the opposite end, Aleixandri secures a goal-kick, leading Stamford Bridge to collectively boo Keating when she takes possession.
James and Baltimore combine seamlessly on the left flank, but Aleixandri manages to head it away. Unfortunately, this isn’t quite sufficient to stop City from having an open chance as Ramirez steps up for a clear header—but she sends it soaring over the crossbar.
Cheers from Chelsea supporters demanding a penalty as Cuthbert goes down in the box under pressure from Aleixandri; however, nothing has been awarded yet.
Chelsea 1-0 Man City (agg 1-2)
20:26 , Flo Clifford25 mins: Right away at the opposite end, James strikes it directly to Keating. Ouahabi takes possession from Chelsea and initiates a counter-attack; Kerolin advances slowly before sending a shot toward the goal, though Hampton makes the save.
A fine move by City, Casparaij executes an excellent overlapping run, however, Bright manages to clear the accurate cross. Strong defense from Chelsea.
CHANCE! Chelsea 1-0 Manchester City (aggregate score 1-2)
20:22 , Flo Clifford21 mins: Chelsea remains unstoppable, constantly driving City backwards each time they attempt to build an offensive play.
Casparij manages to send a beautiful curling cross into the box, but Fowler cannot reach it with his header in time. Instead, Hampton gains possession, and the English goalkeeper has to come out once again to produce an outstanding save off Fowler’s attempt following Miedema’s deft touch.
Chelsea 1-0 Manchester City (aggregate score 1-2)
20:19 , Flo Clifford17 mins: It's only slightly past 15 minutes, but we've seen plenty of excitement already. In just the first ten minutes, Chelsea managed five attempts at scoring—this game might drag on quite long for the opposing team.
The team appears somewhat flustered, making sloppy passes and frequently giving away possession. Miedema manages to clear the ball, preventing Rytting Kaneryd from delivering another cross into the penalty area.
In Baltimore's attack, the opposing team fails to adequately clear their defensive area. Walsh takes a shot but sends it directly towards Keating’s hands.
GOAL! Chelsea 1-0 Manchester City (aggregate score 1-2)
20:16 , Flo Clifford13 mins: Chelsea makes a breakthrough! First Bronze executes a beautiful one-two and strikes the post, followed by Baltimore converting the loose ball into a goal with a shot off the far post. Keating was caught out of position. Meanwhile, Bompastor remains composed as she acknowledges the play from the touchline.
CHANCE! Chelsea 0-0 Manchester City (aggregate score 0-2)
20:12 , Flo Clifford10 mins: Cuthbert steals the ball and sends a long pass ahead, which Ramirez attempts to bend toward the goal from up front. However, the shot curls just wide of the mark. The team appeared somewhat sluggish in maintaining control during that play.
As Miedema's initial attempts from end to end come up short in the penalty area without finding a target, Chelsea attempt to counter-attack but fail to convert their chances into goals.
Rytting Kaneryd spots James in space, but Casparaij makes way for a Chelsea corner—Baltimore sends it towards Bjorn who strikes it off the near post! What a massive opportunity this was.
Chelsea 0-0 Man City (agg 0-2)
20:07 , Flo Clifford6 mins: Chelsea secure an early corner kick, but Miedema — who scored twice off the bench last week and starts tonight — is present to make a clearance. Despite the initial pressure, she appears composed and unfazed.
Bronze executes a careless pass upfield, and Casparij almost takes advantage of it, sprinting into open space to receive the ball. However, he ends up making a weak effort directly towards Hampton.
CHANCE! Chelsea 0-0 Manchester City (aggregate score 0-2)
20:04 , Flo Clifford3 mins: The team is applying pressure early on. Kerolin attempts to make a cross into the penalty area but ends up striking it weakly off Baltimore.
Now Lauren James steals the ball from Prior, sprints ahead but angles her shot slightly wide of the goal! This could be trouble for City.
Chelsea 0-0 Man City (agg 0-2)
20:02 , Flo Clifford1 mins: Following their kneeling protest against discrimination during the match, the away team kicks off first in this fourth encounter within just 13 days for these teams.
Chelsea 0-0 Man City (agg 0-2)
20:00 , Flo CliffordThe winner of this match will go up against the defending champion Barcelona in the semifinals after they demolished Wolfsburg with a score of 6-1 earlier tonight (10-2 overall). Yikes.
Here we go
19:58 , Flo CliffordThe teams have taken to the field at Stamford Bridge, and we're just about set to begin.
Group updates and viewing information
19:57 , Jamie BraidwoodChelsea XI: Hampton; Bronze, Bjorn, Bright, Baltimore; Cuthbert, Walsh; Rytting-Kaneryd, Kaptein, James; Ramirez
Man City XI: Keating, Casparrij, Prior, Aleixandri, Ouahabi, Hasegawa, Roord, Miedema, Kerolin, Murphy, Fowler.
In the UK, viewers can catch the live broadcast of the match on TNT Sports 1. For those who prefer streaming options, a live feed will be accessible to subscribers through discovery+. Alternatively, it will also be streamed for free on Dazn’s YouTube page.
Bomastor urges Chelsea to have 'no regrets' against Man City
19:40 , Jamie BraidwoodSonia Bompastor thinks that Chelsea's victory over Manchester City on Sunday will provide mental support for her team as they aim to stage a comeback tonight. The French coach has advised her players not to have "any regrets" heading into the second leg.
"It's always more difficult when you are losing by two goals, but we are confident, we are playing a home game,” said Bompastor, who suffered her first defeat in charge of Chelsea last week.
It will be challenging and arduous, we understand this, yet we are prepared to welcome the difficulty. That’s precisely what the team and the club stand for.
This presents a fresh challenge. We've never encountered this scenario this season, yet we're prepared for it. All I ask from my players by the final whistle is that they harbor no regrets.
"You need to stay composed" - Millie Bright on pursuing her comeback
19:30 , Jamie BraidwoodArsenal boss Renee Slegers disclosed yesterday that she instructed her team at halftime to stay "composed" as they aimed to stage a comeback against Real Madrid.
That's precisely the term Millie Bright employed when the Chelsea captain addressed the difficulty of overcoming a 2-0 deficit against Manchester City.
As we find ourselves in this scenario, it’s crucial to stay composed," Bright stated. "When reviewing our previous performances, there are numerous bright spots.
We aren’t in the situation we had hoped for, but here we are. So now it’s all about responding, grasping our current circumstances.
Ideally,we understand our objectives,and we have great faith in our capabilities.This kind of recovery isn't out of reach for us.
Man City prepared for 'the most motivated, aggressive form of Chelsea'
19:20 , Jamie BraidwoodNick Cushing states that Manchester City are ready to confront "the most motivated and aggressive version of Chelsea" in today’s Champions League quarter-final second leg match.
We understand the significance of this contest for Chelsea," Cushing stated before facing off against Sonia Bompastor once again. Both as a player and a coach with Lyon, Bompastor has emerged victorious in the Champions League.
"We know that Chelsea are going to be incredibly up for the game, incredibly motivated.
When you hire a manager who has previously claimed victory in the Champions League with what might be the most triumphant women’s team in football history, you’re clearly signaling that winning the Champions League is likely your primary objective.
Alex Greenwood mentions that Manchester City players are in 'shock' following Gareth Taylor's departure.
19:10 , Flo CliffordThe team has faced additional disruptions due to having a new manager step in right before this series of four matches against Chelsea. Nick Cushing returned to take over from Gareth Taylor, who was let go shortly before the League Cup final.
Cushing is counting on the delayed but anticipated boost from having a new manager take over to help his team capitalize on their two-goal lead from the previous match.
Alex Greenwood mentions that Manchester City players are in 'shock' following Gareth Taylor's departure.
How to watch
19:05 , Flo CliffordUK viewers can tune into TNT Sports or discovery+ tonight to catch the match, or they can watch it for free on the DAZN YouTube channel.
The match starts at 8pm, with live coverage beginning at 7:30pm.
Team news - Chelsea
19:00 , Flo CliffordFive alterations have been made to Chelsea’s lineup: Erin Cuthbert gets a starting spot following her match-winning goal in the 91st minute from the substitutes' bench this past weekend. Additionally, Keira Walsh starts as well after coming on as a replacement earlier.
Nathalie Bjorn and Sandy Baltimore come back into the defensive line, while Aggie Beever-Jones is moved forward and substituted by Mayra Ramirez.
Chelsea XI Hampton; Bronze, Bjorn, Bright (captain), Baltimore; Cuthbert, Walsh; Rytting-Kaneryd, Kaptein, James; Ramirez
Substitutes Spencer, Cox, Lawrence, Charles, Nusken, Jean-Francois, Macario, Hamano, Brown, Beever-Jones
Team updates - Manchester City
18:55 , Flo CliffordFor their upcoming match against Chelsea in the WSL, City have made three alterations to the team since their previous encounter. Leila Ouahabi, Lily Murphy, and Mary Fowler are included in the starting lineup, whereas Aleixandri and Hasegawa are also available and set to begin the game.
City XI: Keating, Casparij, Prior, Aleixandri (C), Ouahabi, Hasegawa, Roord, Miedema, Kerolin Nicoli, Murphy, Fowler.
Substitutes: Start-up, Layzell, Coombs, Wienroither, Park.
Bunny Shaw and Aoba Fujino have been ruled out for the return leg.
18:50 , Jamie BraidwoodAdditionally, Manchester City’s top goalscorer Khadija Shaw along with forward Aoba Fujino will not be participating in tonight’s second leg match at Stamford Bridge. Both players have been unable to play due to injuries sustained during the League Cup loss against Chelsea.
"It hasn’t been ideal losing Bunny Shaw and Aoba Fujino over the past couple of weeks, but when you observe the team, they continue to train extremely diligently," stated interim manager Nick Cushing, who has additionally lacked the presence of Lauren Hemp and Alex Greenwood.
I continue to observe this belief. In each of the three matches, I felt we posed an extraordinary threat. I am confident we will do so again tomorrow evening.
What next?
18:46 , Flo CliffordThe teams that win this tie will face the current champions, Barcelona, who easily defeated Wolfsburg with a total score of 10-2 on aggregate and an impressive 6-1 in the second leg earlier today.
The semifinals will take place during the week of April 19-20, with a chance to compete in the final in Lisbon on Saturday, May 24.
Team news incoming
18:40 , Flo CliffordTeam updates should be coming shortly, as each side is anticipated to introduce alterations.
Nathalie Bjorn, Sandy Baltimore, Keira Walsh, Mayra Ramirez, and Erin Cuthbert might return to the starting lineup for Chelsea, whereas Laia Aleixandri and Yui Hasegawa are questionable for the opposing team as they had to leave the field during the previous match.
Laura Blindkilde-Brown is anticipated to be sidelined for the remainder of the season due to an ankle injury sustained during practice, and goalkeeper Ayaka Yamashita won’t participate further as she played in the initial match. Consequently, Khiara Keating will likely guard the goals once more following the recent loss in the Women's Super League over the weekend.
Can Chelsea reverse the deficit?
18:30 , Flo CliffordChelsea recovered from their previous week's quarter-final first-leg setback when facing the same rivals at the Etihad. In this match, Aggie Beever-Jones leveled the score, followed by Erin Cuthbert netting a dramatic 91st-minute goal for the win. This outcome left Chelsea sitting eight points ahead atop the WSL standings with just five games remaining.
With the focus now back on Europe, Chelsea will feel confident despite the two-goal deficit. They have progressed from all of their previous five quarter-finals in the competition and are unbeaten in 16 home games under Sonia Bompastor.
'Shameful': Criticism mounts over women’s league cup final pitch as Chelsea defeats Manchester City
18:15 , Flo CliffordThe condition of the playing surface should not pose a problem tonight. However, this has been a recurring concern in women's soccer over the past few weeks.
Sonia Bompastor included in the critique of the Pride Park pitch that hosted Chelsea’s win against Manchester City In the Women’s League Cup final, she expressed doubt that a men’s final would take place under similar circumstances.
The pitch at Derby County’s stadium appeared notably subpar following a lengthy winter and grueling Championship season, marked by bald spots and causing irregular bounces for the athletes. Chelsea emerged victorious against City with a score of 2-1, securing the first piece of silverware of the season.
'Shameful': Pitch draws criticism as Chelsea defeats Manchester City in Women’s League Cup final
The crucial factor behind Chelsea's win against Manchester City in the League Cup final provided them with significant leverage.
18:00 , Flo CliffordThe reaction from Sonia Bompastor might have covered it all on the day and before the upcoming two weeks. The Frenchwoman marked her first victory with this tournament. Chelsea With the quietest of celebrations, she merely turned to her teammate Nick Cushing and extended her hand. Similar to Chelsea’s performance against Manchester City In the League Cup final, it was all about being business-like and professional. Given that there were three additional rounds coming up with only 12 days apart, she understood that this was just the beginning.
However, the initial strike came from Chelsea, the reigning champions who claimed this title following three successive losses in the League Cup finals. Bompastor has expanded upon the foundation laid by Emma Hayes and might achieve even more, as they remain undefeated across their last 28 matches this season, having secured one trophy so far with potentially three more within reach.
The crucial factor behind Chelsea's win against Manchester City was their significant edge.
Inspiration from Arsenal?
17:45 , Flo CliffordChelsea may be looking to their rivals across London for inspiration to turn this tie around, after Arsenal overturned a 2-0 deficit from the Champions League quarter-final first leg against Real Madrid.
A Russo double and a Caldentey header gave the Gunners a 3-0 lead midway through the second half at the Emirates yesterday, with an unprecedented number of fans cheering them on as they progressed to the semifinals. Sonia Bompastor’s side will be looking forward to similar enthusiastic backing—and perhaps even the same outcome—when they play at Stamford Bridge tonight.
Arsenal save their season as Chloe Kelly’s redemption sparks memorable comeback
Who wins this mini-series?
17:30 , Flo CliffordThese two teams must be tired of seeing each other, considering this is their fourth consecutive encounter.
Chelsea have won two of the past three, winning 2-1 in the League Cup final and in the WSL, but City have the advantage from the first leg of this Champions League tie, which they won 2-0 at the Joie Stadium.
Thus, Chelsea led the series of confrontations with a score of 2-1, but they need to recover at least two goals tonight.
Vivianne Miedema causes Chelsea's first loss of the season as Manchester City takes control with a first-leg advantage.
17:15 , Flo CliffordA summary of last week’s initial match at the Joie Stadium: Substitute Vivianne Miedema scored a brace as Manchester City inflicted Chelsea Their first loss of the season came when they were defeated 2-0 by them in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals at the Joie Stadium.
Miedema, entering the match at halftime to begin the second half, opened the scoring for City just after the 60-minute mark. He fired home the follow-up shot when Hannah Hampton Laia Aleixandri's header was deflected off the crossbar.
After Chelsea’s Johanna Rytting Kaneryd hit the crossbar in the 80th minute following a substitution, Miedema scored her second goal with only two minutes of regular time left, giving City a two-goal lead as they headed into the second leg at Stamford Bridge on Thursday.
Vivianne Miedema causes Chelsea's first loss of the season as Manchester City takes charge.
Good afternoon
17:00 , Flo CliffordWelcome to our live coverage of this thrilling Women’s Champions League quarter-final matchup between two powerhouse teams from the WSL, Chelsea and Manchester City.
It’s the second leg, and Chelsea have a two-goal deficit to pull back. Can they mimic Arsenal’s brilliant comeback last night at the Emirates? Let’s find out...
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