The European champions were dealt a first home defeat in over five years as they also failed to score for the first time since April 2022

Emma Hayes' Chelsea have one foot in the Women's Champions League final after Erin Cuthbert's sublime strike secured a shock 1-0 win over Barcelona. Jonatan Giraldez's side couldn't even manage a shot on target against the Blues as they failed to find the back of the net in a match for the first time in over two years.

Chelsea got lucky in the opening moments when Caroline Graham Hansen looked primed to give Barca the lead only for her to slip at the vital moment but, from there, the Blues grew into the game and they took the lead with a well-constructed and patient team move which ended with Sjoeke Nusken picking out Cuthbert who, in turn, rifled a shot into the top corner.

Barcelona thought they had the chance to level from the spot shortly after half-time but VAR intervened and ruled Salma Paralluelo to be interfering with play from an offside position, affecting Kadeisha Buchanan as Patri Guijarro's strike hit her arm. The Catalans didn't use that frustration to spur them on either, with there instead further scares at the other end as Mayra Ramirez had a big shout for a penalty turned down before she fired off target from a good position after out-muscling Guijarro.

There was still time for Barca to carve out some big chances, though. Graham Hansen picked out Paralluelo with five minutes to go, only for the Catalans' 30-goal forward to mis-hit her shot completely, and then two-time Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas somehow missed from close range with the final kick of the game. Both attempts summed up a terrible day at the office for the home side but Chelsea deserve so much credit for a first-ever win over Barca, one which puts them in touching distance of the Champions League final.

GOAL rates Chelsea's players from Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys…

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Hannah Hampton (6/10):

Distribution was hit and miss but she dealt well with Barca's attacks, despite not having a single save to make.

Johanna Rytting Kaneryd (8/10):

Was disciplined in her defensive work to help Chelsea keep Barca at bay.

Jess Carter (8/10):

Great block on a Paralluelo shot in the early stages that was potentially goal-saving. Set the tone for a colossal display.

Kadeisha Buchanan (7/10):

Made a couple of errors that put Chelsea on the back foot but did also contribute some important, positive interventions.

Niamh Charles (8/10):

Adapted well to a role she's not played often. Worked effectively with Lawrence to keep Graham Hansen quiet.

Ashley Lawrence (8/10):

Was a perfect fit for a fluid role on the left, contributing defensively and offering an outlet going forward. Often her good work in the attack was undone by a lack of support, though.

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Erin Cuthbert (8/10):

Great finish to give Chelsea the lead. Battled brilliantly and didn't waste possession.

Melanie Leupolz (7/10):

Worked hard in the middle of the park to break play up and disrupt Barca's rhythm.

Sjoeke Nusken (6/10):

Brilliant control and patience to tee up Cuthbert for the goal. Put a real shift in, like the rest of the team.

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Mayra Ramirez (7/10):

Despite often being isolated, she used her strength to hold the ball up and create dangerous moments. Should've made it 2-0 in the closing stages after some great work to out-muscle Guijarro.

Lauren James (6/10):

Was always going to be difficult for her to get into this game. Dropped really deep to get the ball, which was a hindrance at times as it left Chelsea without her presence at the end of attacks, though it did give her team some respite when she kept hold of possession.

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Catarina Macario (5/10):

Replaced James with less than 20 minutes to go but it was always going to be difficult for her to have an impact, with Barca pushing hard for an equaliser.

Guro Reiten (N/A):

Came on for Ramirez in stoppage time.

Emma Hayes (9/10):

Game plan was absolutely spot on. Switch to a back five thwarted Barcelona's attack massively and the players were patient to create chances on the counter. Hard to pick faults in the approach.