Chelsea were left to regret a series of missed chances as they drew 1-1 with Barcelona in their Women’s champions League group stage match, a result that sees the Spanish side maintain their lead in the league phase table. The draw, while an advancement on last season’s 8-2 aggregate defeat to Barcelona in the semi-finals, denied Chelsea the victory they sought and leaves them two points behind their opponents.
Chelsea dominated much of the first half and took the lead through Ellie Carpenter’s opening goal, which lasted for eight minutes before Barcelona’s Ewa Pajor equalized following a failed clearance from a corner. Carpenter had a golden possibility to secure the win late in the game, but her close-range shot went wide with onyl the goalkeeper to beat.A subsequent goal from substitute Catarina Macario was ruled out for offside.
“I think it is indeed frustrating not to have won the game, especially when you look at the statistics and the chances we had,” said Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor. “We had opportunities to win so I’m frustrated for that reason, but overall there were also a lot of positives to take.”
Bompastor emphasized the need for clinical finishing in crucial Champions League matches. “We know in the Champions League and in the important games we need to be clinical. We have spoken about that and my players are trying so hard,” she stated. Despite the missed opportunities, bompastor expressed satisfaction with her team’s performance. “I’m really pleased with the performance. Everyone worked hard and I think when we are playing at this level,we can put in performances like this one.”
The result leaves Chelsea in sixth place in the league phase table.
