Women Super League
UWCL Semifinals: Can Chelsea and Arsenal Upset Giants Barcelona and Lyon?
After the first legs of the UEFA Women’s Champions League semifinals, Arsenal finds themselves in a tough spot as they travel to Lyon, needing to make up a 2-1 deficit. On the other side, Chelsea is gearing up to host their well-known rivals, Barcelona, aiming to bounce back from a difficult 4-1 defeat in Spain.
Both teams in the Women’s Super League have a tough challenge ahead if they want to avoid a repeat of the 2024 final. Despite the challenges they face, there’s a strong determination evident from both sides. Arsenal, in particular, has demonstrated remarkable resilience, famously rallying back from a two-goal deficit during the quarterfinals. Chelsea, on the other hand, is in a tough spot, needing to score at least three unanswered goals at Stamford Bridge to keep their hopes alive.
Both matches are scheduled to kick off just hours apart this weekend, on April 27. So, what strategies might each team employ?
Emily Keogh, Julien Laurens, and Sam Marsden from ESPN have shared their thoughts and predictions about the matchups.
Chelsea vs. Barcelona (1-4)
What can Chelsea do to turn things around?
Chelsea faces a monumental task ahead. Scoring three goals against Barcelona, known for their solid defense, while also keeping their own goal intact, seems daunting. Realistically, it’s a slim chance that Chelsea can advance to the final. After having some hope at 2-1 in the first leg, seeing the scoreline balloon to 4-1 was a devastating blow that left them clinging to their dreams.
Sonia Bompastor’s tactics didn’t quite hit the mark in the first leg—a rare misstep—and costly mistakes against a top-tier team like Barcelona can prove to be detrimental. For Chelsea to even secure a win, they’ll need a flawless performance, especially in terms of defense. But reversing the scoreline feels like an uphill battle.
What does Barcelona need to do to progress?
For Barcelona, the task appears simple on paper. They just need to avoid a loss by more than two goals. Given that Chelsea might have to gamble offensively, it’s likely that Barcelona could exploit that with quick counterattacks.
This position is somewhat unexpected for Barça, as they had confidence going into the first leg, but they didn’t anticipate such a significant win. Chelsea, with their previous semifinal history in Catalonia, had hoped for a better outcome.
Barcelona’s focus now will be on maintaining a strong defense at Stamford Bridge, which isn’t typically their style. This season has had its share of defensive challenges, but players like Irene Paredes have stepped up to the plate. Plus, having Ona Batlle back on the field is a significant advantage. Despite a few injury worries, the team looks ready to take control of the game, focusing on maintaining possession. Their midfield trio is key in steering their gameplay and guiding them through any tough spots.
Player to watch:
For Chelsea, all eyes will be on *Sonia Bompastor*. The team has thrived this season on collective effort rather than a single standout player, but in a critical moment like this, they may miss having a relentless goal-scorer. ’ Strategic choices could be key to breaking their trend against Barcelona.
For Barcelona, *Irene Paredes* deserves recognition. While Claudia Pina is currently the top scorer in the competition, Paredes’ leadership on defense will be essential. Especially with uncertainties around other defensive players, her experience could be the deciding factor.
Prediction
While it’s within reach for Chelsea to secure a win, pulling off a victory strong enough to overcome the 4-1 deficit feels unlikely. They certainly have the skill to win at home, but that might not be enough to secure a place in the final.
As Chelsea looks to find the back of the net, the flow of the game can change quickly, making it hard to predict. That said, it seems that Barcelona might pull through overall, although Chelsea could secure a narrow win for that match or perhaps even end in a draw.
LYON vs. ARSENAL (2-1)
What can Arsenal do to turn things around?
Arsenal has a knack for pulling off incredible comebacks. One of the most memorable moments was when they turned a 2-0 deficit against Real Madrid into a phenomenal 3-0 win in the quarterfinals. They’ve demonstrated their resilience repeatedly in the league, fighting back from tough starts to secure important points. With this track record, the team should feel a surge of confidence that reaching the final is still within their grasp.
However, it won’t be easy. Lyon’s rapid counterattacks laid bare Arsenal’s defensive shortcomings and their tendency to waste opportunities in front of goal. Despite controlling possession during the first leg, Arsenal struggled to create clear chances or apply meaningful pressure on Lyon’s defense.
For Arsenal to turn things around, they need to tighten up their defense and find a way to get more from their midfield when it comes to controlling the tempo and creating space. There were times when they definitely looked like they could make something happen, but too often, they just didn’t seem to have that sense of urgency or movement inside the box. I’m willing to bet that this week’s training focused heavily on honing their finishing skills and encouraging more aggressive runs in the attacking third. That was a clear area where they struggled in their game last weekend. That was a clear area where they struggled in their game last weekend.
What does Lyon need to do to progress?
Lyon needs to stick to the game plan that worked for them in the first leg. Playing at home should make them feel more at ease, but they shouldn’t stray from what they do best. A solid defense, along with some swift counterattacks, will be crucial for them. They have some impressive talent in their front three, and it will be great to see either Daniëlle van de Donk or Lindsey Heaps stepping up from midfield to support the attack.
Kadidiatou Diani’s pace on the right wing gave Arsenal a lot of trouble in the first match. Coach Joe Montemurro will look to rely on her alongside Tabitha Chawinga and Melchie Dumornay again. The return of Wendie Renard will also add experience and stability to Lyon’s backline as they strive to reach their third consecutive UEFA Women’s Champions League final.
Arsenal Player to Watch: Alessia Russo
Alessia Russo has shone for Arsenal this season! It’s such a delight to watch her play, especially the way she connects with Beth Mead on the field. Their chemistry is something else; it feels like they have a real understanding of each other’s movements. You can see it in how they create chances together and keep the opposing defenses on their toes. It’s been exciting to follow their partnership! It’s exciting to see them work together! With 11 goals in the league, Alessia has solidified her position as a vital player for the team, sitting as the second-highest scorer in the WSL. For Arsenal to make a strong push towards the final, they’ll need Russo’s sharp finishing skills and smart movement. And when you pair that with Mead’s creativity and knack for bringing her teammates into the game, they become a formidable duo. If anyone can crack Lyon’s defense when it counts, it’s these two!
Lyon Player to Watch: Wendie Renard
Wendie Renard’s absence in the first leg was a significant loss for Lyon. Even though she’s fit enough to sit on the bench, having her back on the field would be a huge lift for the team. Alice Sombath did a great job stepping in, but Renard brings a level of leadership, experience, and defensive skills that just can’t be replaced. At 34, she’s still one of the best defenders in the world, and seeing her back out there would solidify Lyon’s defense. It’s hard to overstate how much of a difference she makes!
Prediction
Arsenal believes in itself this season. Even with the tough match against Lyon ahead, they might just have what it takes to come out on top. After all, they have little to lose—this could be their best chance at winning silverware this year.
That said, while Arsenal has shown they can compete with Lyon, the French champions leveraged their experience and tactical discipline to win the first leg. I anticipate a fierce battle from the Gunners, but ultimately, Lyon’s superior game management may prove too much for them.
