Chelsea earn stunning Champions League semi-final win over Barcelona as Erin Cuthbert shines

Chelsea left Barcelona stunned as they took a first-leg lead back to Stamford Bridge, thanks to Erin Cuthbert. The Blues inflicted a first home defeat in five years on the reigning champions in their Champions League semi-final.

Cuthbert's strike in the 40th minute was all it took for Chelsea to secure a 1-0 win at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys, marking Barca's first loss of the season. The Blues put up an impressive defensive display, denying the high-scoring defending champions even a single shot on target.

The game could have taken a different turn if referee Stephanie Frappart hadn't been advised to review her decision to award the hosts a second-half penalty for handball. This leaves Emma Hayes and her team with something to defend at Stamford Bridge next Saturday.

Jess Carter and Kadeisha Buchanan showed resilience in the heart of the Blues' defence from the start. However, it required a well-timed intervention by Ingrid Engen to stop Johanna Rytting Kaneryd from capitalising on Cuthbert's 10th-minute ball over the top.

Carter was perfectly positioned to block Salma Paralluelo's 16th-minute shot following a speedy break by Aitana Bonmati, and Buchanan was equally vigilant to thwart the same player after she had broken clear six minutes later.

The visitors began to find their rhythm, with Mayra Ramirez making significant progress down the left. Their efforts paid off five minutes before half-time when Sjoeke Nusken set up Cuthbert, whose shot deflected off Engel and over goalkeeper Catalina Coll.

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However, they found themselves in hot water moments