UEFA Women's Champions League - 'Biggest game in our careers' - Chelsea's Millie Bright excited to face Barcelona again
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Published 26/04/2024 at 10:43 GMT+1
Chelsea take a one-goal lead into their UEFA Women’s Champions League semi-final second leg against Barcelona at Stamford Bridge after Erin Cuthbert’s goal last week stunned the holders in Spain. Barca famously routed Chelsea 4-0 in the 2021 final before knocking them out at this stage last year. The match kicks off at 17:30 UK time on Saturday 27 April, and is live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
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Millie Bright is gearing up for what she called “the biggest game we're probably going to play in our careers,” as Chelsea welcome defending champions Barcelona to Stamford Bridge for the second leg of their Women's Champions League semi-final, live on TNT and discovery+ on Saturday evening.
The Blues lead 1-0 on aggregate after a shock win in Barcelona last week, becoming the first team to beat the Catalans on home soil in five years, and handing the Spanish giants their first loss since last May.
Erin Cuthbert’s first-half strike at the Estadi Olímpic is the difference going into the second leg in London where Chelsea, despite having the aggregate and home advantage, will remain underdogs.
Chelsea captain Bright is calm and content with that underdog tag despite the 1-0 advantage and hopes a standout crowd at Stamford Bridge will imbue the side with confidence.
"We are definitely the underdogs in this draw and that's fine - we know our place and our role. But as Emma [Hayes] always says, any team can be beaten. It's how you set yourselves up to do that," she said,
"I know everyone said [the first leg] was an absolute masterclass by Emma. It was a credit to the players to buy into that gameplan - and it worked, we got the result. We will give everything and it's extra motivation knowing that this is Emma's last season.
"We need every single fan there. We need the stadium packed and absolutely rocking. The fans make an incredible impact on the game. We felt it when we went to Barcelona."
Chelsea are hunting a first ever European trophy in Emma Hayes’ final season in charge of the club before departing for the U.S national team. While Barcelona now sit in the upper echelon of European pedigree, reaching four of the past five Women's Champions League finals - winning twice.
They knocked out Chelsea at this stage a year ago on route to the trophy and handed Chelsea a humbling 4-0 loss in 2021 final.
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Barcelona-Chelsea, Champions League 2023/2024
Image credit: Getty Images
"We know it's a fantastic opponent, we know the storm that's about to come and we have a lot of respect for them," added Bright.
"It's still half-time. It was a fantastic result and performance from the girls [in Spain] but equally, we know that Barca were probably not at their best.
"They will absolutely ramp it up. We have to make sure we're on our A-game otherwise that result means nothing if we don't get the job done on Saturday.
"We are in a great position and we know it's about staying switched on. It's a team that we can't afford to slip up against or take our foot off the gas because they will punish you."
Bright is pushing to be involved in the game, having started on the bench in the first leg after working through a knee injury since November.
"That was my target - to be selected for that game," said Bright. "I knew it was a massive game for us and we needed everyone there.
"From a leadership side, it's hard to contribute when you're not physically there. I was just proud to be back.
"It's been a very difficult season for me personally but I'm glad to be back for the end of the season."
Pressure is ramping up on Chelsea to secure some silverware and see Hayes off with the celebration and pageantry she deserves. Having failed to win either of the two domestic cups, their eyes are set on the Women's Super League and Women's Champions League titles.
"This season has been one of the most chaotic. We've had players injured, new signings coming in and the announcement of Emma [Hayes] leaving. It feels like there's been so much crammed into one season,” Bright said.
"We've had a lot to take care of so I'm so proud of the girls' mentality, their professionalism and the way they've handled those situations. It's been a difficult season, for sure."
The UEFA Women’s Champions League semi-final second leg between Chelsea and Barcelona will be live on TNT Sports 3 and discovery+ on Saturday 27 April, kicking off at 17:30 UK time.
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