The second leg of the Champions League semifinals is happening this weekend, and you can watch them for FREE with DAZN! Chelsea vs Barcelona will face each other again once more, along with another PSG and Olympique Lyonnaise match-off. The winners will advance to the final, which is set for May 25.
Game Details:
Barcelona v Chelsea: Saturday, April 27th at 9:30 AM PT/12:30 PM ET
PSG v Lyon: Sunday, April 28th at 7 AM PT/10 AM ET
CHELSEA VS BARCELONA – MATCH PREVIEW
This match follows Chelsea’s remarkable 1-0 victory in Barcelona, which broke the Catalan club’s long-standing unbeaten home record in European competitions.
Breaking the Unbeaten Streak
Chelsea won the first leg, with Erin Cuthbert scoring a crucial goal in the first half. This was a big deal because Barcelona hadn’t lost a home competitive match since 2019 and had been consistently scoring in home Champions League games for over eight years. Chelsea’s disciplined strategy limited Barcelona to just one shot on target for the whole match.
What the Managers are Saying:
Emma Hayes, Chelsea manager: “We have underperformed against Barcelona at home. Barcelona have another level in them and I think that’s clear. Maybe they don’t feel they were at their best [in the first leg] and we have to anticipate that.”
Jonatan Giráldez, Barcelona coach: “The strategies we work on will be the key. It’s OK in the good moments when things are easy. But in the bad moments, when the performance is not as good as we expected before the game, we all have to show our real character. I have a lot of confidence in my team. All we have to do at Chelsea is win the game.”
Key Players and Strategies
Chelsea’s approach in the first leg was effective, but they will be without several key players due to injuries, including Sam Kerr and Aniek Nouwen, which might affect their game plan. Barcelona, while missing defender Mapi León, will look to leverage their experienced players like Aitana Bonmatí and Patricia Guijarro to overturn the deficit.
Historical Rivalry and Championships
Barcelona, having won the UEFA Women’s Champions League twice in the last three seasons, including a dominant 4-0 victory over Chelsea in the 2020/21 final, is familiar with the pressure and expectations of such high-stakes matches. Chelsea, despite their domestic success, is still in pursuit of its first UWCL title, with its past encounters with Barcelona playing a significant role in its European journey.
What to Expect
As Chelsea and Barcelona prepare to face off once again, the stakes couldn’t be higher. With history, pride, and a spot in the finals on the line, this match is set to be another classic encounter in the rich narrative of women’s European football.
Watch the exciting second leg of the UEFA Women’s Champions League semi-final between Chelsea FC and FC Barcelona. It’s live from Stamford Bridge and free only on DAZN.
PSG VS LYON – MATCH PREVIEW
This French powerhouse clash, a record 11th meeting between the two in this competition, promises even more drama following a stunning first-leg game that ended in a breathtaking 3-2 comeback victory for Lyon.
A Comeback for the Ages
In a match that will be long remembered, Lyon displayed remarkable resilience and tactical acumen. Trailing by two goals with just ten minutes remaining, Lyon’s dramatic rally was sparked by goals from Kadidiatou Diani, Melchie Dumornay, and Amel Majri. This marked the first time Lyon has overturned a two-goal deficit to win in Europe. The victory not only underlined Lyon’s relentless spirit but also kept alive their hopes of advancing to an 11th final in the competition.
Historical Rivalry and Current Form
Lyon, an eight-time UEFA Women’s Champions League champion, has dominated this French rivalry over the years, boasting six wins, two draws, and just two losses against PSG in the UWCL. They remain six games unbeaten against PSG, highlighting their psychological edge and tactical superiority in these high-pressure encounters.
Marie-Antoinette Katoto of PSG, who initially put Lyon on the back foot with a striking double, is in a head-to-head race with Lyon’s Kadidiatou Diani for the competition’s top-scorer title.
For PSG, despite their strong domestic performances and reaching the UWCL finals twice, the elusive European title has remained just out of reach. This return leg offers them a crucial opportunity to overturn their first-leg defeat and advance to their third final, hoping to finally capture the prestigious trophy.
Player Connections and Team Dynamics
The match also features intriguing player narratives, including Diani, who moved from PSG to Lyon and has been a pivotal figure in this season’s campaign. The interplay between former teammates Lindsey Horan, Christiane Endler, Sara Däbritz, and Perle Morroni of Lyon and PSG’s Sakina Karchoui adds a rich backstory and emotional depth to the encounter.
What the Managers Are Saying:
Jocelyn Prêcheur, PSG’s coach, remains optimistic despite the challenging first-leg outcome. He emphasizes the team’s potential for a turnaround and the importance of a strong mental approach to Sunday’s game. Prêcheur’s confidence in his team’s ability to perform under pressure at home highlights the determination within the PSG camp to rewrite the script against their storied rivals.
As the stage is set for another epic showdown at Parc des Princes, both PSG and Lyon are aware of the high stakes. This match isn’t just about securing a spot in the final; it’s also about asserting dominance in one of European women’s football’s most intense rivalries. With tactical battles, player rivalries, and the pressure of history, this semi-final return leg promises to be a spectacle of skill, resilience, and passion, epitomizing the very best of women’s football in Europe.
Watch the exciting second leg of the UEFA Women’s Champions League semi-final between Paris Saint-Germain Féminine vs Olympique Lyonnais. It’s live from Parc de Princes and free only on DAZN.
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