Barcelona 4-1 Chelsea: Pina stars as hosts take control of Champions League semi-final

Claudia Pina played a starring role as Barcelona took control of their Women’s Champions League semi-final against Chelsea, with a 4-1 victory in the first leg.

Pina, who is the top scorer in this season’s competition with nine goals, scored twice and provided an assist, as Pere Romeu’s side took a huge step towards booking their place in the final.

Barca were awarded a penalty after just 12 minutes at Estadi Johan Cruyff, with Nathalie Bjorn penalised for handball after a VAR review, but Hannah Hampton denied Alexia Putellas from 12 yards.

However, Putellas made amends 10 minutes before half-time with a superb throughball to find Ewa Pajor, who slotted past Hampton.

The hosts doubled their lead in the 70th minute as Pina tucked away Ona Batlle’s cross from close range, though Sandy Baltimore halved the deficit when she drilled home four minutes later.

Nevertheless, Barca restored their authority on the tie in the final 10 minutes. Irene Paredes powered home a header from Pina’s corner, while the latter combined with Putellas to make it 4-1 in the dying moments.

Barça brilliance in the first leg#UWCL pic.twitter.com/Sh9ArWk4ZT

— UEFA Women’s Champions League (@UWCL) April 20, 2025

Data Debrief: Barca’s impressive home form continues

Extending their Champions League winning streak to eight matches, Barca have now won 28 of their last 30 home games in the competition.

Meanwhile, Chelsea suffered their first defeat in six Champions League matches against Spanish opponents in Spain (won two, drawn three).