As Chelsea returned to the Ladies’s Champions League semi-finals, the celebrations had been lower quite quick. “We count on to be right here,” a weary Emma Hayes concluded. Hayes admitted she was drained, and with one other sport to now take into consideration, one other plan to formulate, it was no shock how shortly Chelsea wanted to maneuver on after this comfy mixture win over Ajax.
For Hayes, the prospect of a forty first sport in Chelsea’s season stays alive and stretches forward, the top a distance away however arriving quick. After 12 years in cost, Hayes and Chelsea have a most of 11 video games remaining in her ultimate season. Chelsea might but win 4 trophies in an area of 55 days, beginning with Sunday’s League Cup ultimate.
Whereas progress to the Champions League semi-finals can’t be taken with no consideration, the quite flat temper at Stamford Bridge mirrored the sense that there was by no means any actual jeopardy in Chelsea’s evening, owing to their glorious 3-0 win in Amsterdam final week. If their progress was not at risk, Mayra Ramirez’s good end earlier than the break eliminated any doubt and ensured Chelsea returned to the semi-finals even when Ajax pulled one again in a while. It might arrange a rematch in opposition to Barcelona, and Stamford Bridge can be prepared then for the arrival of the European champions, on what can be Hayes’s ultimate fixture at Chelsea’s essential stadium.
However there was a flatness to Hayes afterwards, too. Hayes insists that success or failure within the Champions League won’t outline her reign; although as a result of it’s the solely trophy she has but to win with Chelsea, it does body these ultimate weeks of her 12 years in cost. The reality, although, is that Chelsea have an excessive amount of to consider, which is why their second half in opposition to Ajax was virtually performed on cruise management. There isn’t a avoiding the truth that the quadruple is on, and the chase begins in earnest now in opposition to Arsenal on Sunday.
Chelsea have misplaced the League Cup ultimate of their earlier two seasons however can take revenge on the Gunners for final 12 months’s defeat once they meet at Molineux. The 2 encounters between the London rivals already this season have been one-sided in favour of the hosts, with a 4-1 on the Emirates and a 3-1 at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea would be the favourites in opposition to Jonas Eidevall’s aspect however maybe their third assembly at a impartial venue can be nearer.
Captain Millie Vivid might return after the worldwide break and the absence of the England centre-back is a reminder of the accidents Chelsea have performed by means of whereas sustaining their cost on 4 fronts. Chelsea have coped admirably – virtually everybody else is again, other than maybe an important absence of all in Sam Kerr, who’s out for the remainder of the season with an ACL damage.
The medical end from Ramirez, unavailable in Amsterdam, confirmed there may be power and depth in Chelsea’s squad once more, significantly in attacking choices. “There’s extra selection, extra expertise,” Hayes mentioned. She made six adjustments in opposition to Ajax, greater than Hayes might have afforded to make final season, however, after a barely shaky begin, Chelsea continued to point out authority. The 20-year-old winger Aggie Beever-Jones shone with a shiny, weaving show in a Champions League quarter-final and is a type of who has benefited from having to step up amid the absences.
Although the return of Vivid can be a lift because the Blues enter acquainted territory. Hayes’s aspect have gained 4 WSL titles in a row and the final three FA Cups, they usually stand seven video games away from extending these exceptional information throughout the 2 greatest home competitions. It stays the spine of Chelsea and Hayes’s success and the place they showcase their potential to win trophies by means of adversity.
5 video games come within the WSL title race and the hardest exams can be on the street: at Tottenham, in opposition to an improved Liverpool, and, on the ultimate day on 18 Might, away to a bruised Manchester United at Previous Trafford. Although Chelsea’s destiny isn’t fully of their arms and they might not be confirmed as champions even when they do win all 5 as, stage on factors with Manchester Metropolis, aim distinction will determine the title ought to Gareth Taylor’s challengers additionally stay excellent. A bonus Chelsea might have is that with WSL fixtures rearranged to make room for the Champions League, they are going to know what they want.
They continue to be in full management of their FA Cup defence, at the very least. Manchester United are usually not the identical aspect that Chelsea beat to the title and edged at Wembley to finish the double final season however there can be battles within the two competitions as soon as once more as they meet within the FA Cup semi-finals. Their first sport again after the worldwide break. Ought to Hayes’s aspect emerge in a repeat of final season’s ultimate and return to Wembley on 12 Might, they are going to face a first-time finalist in both Tottenham or Leicester.
However the Champions League is a distinct beast and within the semi-finals, Chelsea are prone to face a rematch with Barcelona – the defending champions and finalists in 4 out of the final 5 seasons. Chelsea had been disciplined and resilient sufficient to earn a draw on the Nou Camp final April, ending Barcelona’s residence run in Europe.
Chelsea should supply extra if they’re to progress over two legs, although the actual fact Lauren James didn’t begin both residence or away final season, unthinkable now, suggests Chelsea could also be higher suited to the duty and supply opponents together with Aitana Bonmati and a few of the finest gamers on the earth extra issues.
To hitch Chelsea, the holders should first defeat Norwegian aspect Brann after taking a 2-1 benefit again to Spain. There, Barcelona stay untouchable domestically, profitable 20 of 21 matches within the Primera Division. They strengthened their maintain on Europe final season after finishing a 3-2 comeback victory over Wolfsburg within the Eindhoven ultimate.
Chelsea and Hayes weren’t in Eindhoven; it was the one attainable sport of Chelsea’s marketing campaign final 12 months wherein they didn’t attain. Their tally then was 40. Now the dream of 41 and a Bilbao goodbye initially of summer season stays alive with the arrival of spring as Chelsea enter a 55-day, four-tournament spell that can decide Hayes’s ultimate chapter.