Champions League Final Preview: Chelsea -v- Barcelona

• Andrew Dempsey
• Sun, May 16 2021




CHELSEA

English WSL Champions Chelsea will be looking to secure their first Champions League trophy this evening as they take on Barcelona this evening (kick-off is at 8pm).

This is the first time the Blues have ever reached the Champions League Final, but they have reached the semi-final in 2018 and 2019 previously.

Emma Hayes’ side won their domestic title last weekend after seeing off Reading at Kingsmeadow – edging out Manchester City to league success.

“The players are all in good spirit,” Hayes said ahead of tonight’s game. “We've got a lot of experience in the dressing room and are just looking forward to kick-off.

“For [Barcelona] to knock out both Man. City and PSG is an indication of their qualities. They are very efficient going forward, defensively they're very good.

“We have to play to our strengths and make sure we focus on our strong attributes.

She added: “I will be every one of [the fans] during the game. We're sad all our friends and family can't be here but the realities are we are used to that and we are one game away from being European champions.

“I wouldn't want to be in another dressing room. The best two teams in Europe are in the final and it will make a wonderful spectacle.”

Chelsea go into the game at full strength – although right-back Maren Mjelde remains out with a long-term injury.

BARCELONA

Spanish giants Barcelona will be looking to do what no other Spanish side has done before in the Champions League this evening as they take on Chelsea in tonight’s final.

The Blaugrauna reached the final having defeated PSG in the last-four with a 3-2 aggregate win.

They have also seen off English opposition on their way to the final – defeating Manchester City in the last eight.

And their manager Lluís Cortes is relishing their chance to right the wrongs of their last final appearance in 2019. 

“I think the feeling is good. We are about to play a historic game, we are very enthusiastic, we have ambitions, also confidence.

“The game is very different to Budapest [2019] and the sensations are different. That day we had too much respect and fear of our opponents but now we have confidence. Chelsea are a very good team but we have our options.

“We are expecting a similar Chelsea to how they have been the whole season. We don't think they'd change that much for one opponent. They don't need possession, they are good in defence and don't need to have the ball to win the game, they've done that in the Champions League.

“But we are prepared to find some space against a more defensive block, and we know their weak points if we can put them under pressure.”

In terms of team news, Andrea Pereira is suspended and the inspirational Alexia Putellas is a doubt.

Referee: Riem Hussein.  

 

MATCH STATS

This is the first time both Chelsea have reached the Champions League Final, while Barca reached the final in 2019 – but they lost on that occasion.

As a result of reaching the final, Chelsea will be looking to emulate London rivals Arsenal who won the competition in 2007 – the only other time an English side has won the competition.

Barcelona’s previous appearance in the final saw them fall to a heavy 4-1 defeat at the expense of Lyon in 2019 – as the French giants won their fourth European title on the spin.

BETTING

Chelsea 14/5; Draw 14/5; Barcelona 13/20.

PREDICTION

Chelsea 1 - 0 Barcelona

 

Chelsea

Injured: Maren Mjelde.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

 

Barcelona

Injured: Andrea Falcon.

Doubtful: Alexia Putellas.

Suspended: Andrea Pereira.