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Women’s Champions League: Chelsea beats Barcelona 1-0 in 1st leg of semifinals

The Women’s Champions League semi-finals first leg saw Chelsea defeat Barcelona 1-0, handing the defending champions their first home loss in five years.

Erin Cuthbert scored the decisive goal with two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas missing a glorious chance to equalize when she shot wide right from close range on the last play of the game.

Chelsea ensured Barcelona’s dangerous attack were stifled as they took away the time and space that the Catalan club normally enjoys in its domestic league.

The high pressure led to Chelsea’s goal in the 40th minute when forward Mayra Ramirez forced a turnover, setting up Sjoeke Nüsken’s pass to Cuthbert, who beat a defender and fired the ball into the top right corner.

Despite fighting hard to get a equalizer, Chelsea held on to secure a historical victory over Barcelona.

Barcelona, which also eliminated Chelsea last season en route to its second title, was set for a penalty after a 52nd-minute handball on Blues defender Kadeisha Buchanan, but it was overturned after a video review because Salma Paralluelo was offside.

Chelsea has never won the Women’s Champions League or its predecessor, the UEFA Women’s Cup. The second leg will be holding next Saturday in London.

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