Chelsea set to face Ajax in Women's Champions League quarter-finals with possible Barcelona clash up next
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Barcelona and Chelsea are on a similar path to the Women's Champions League final || Image credit: iMAGO

Chelsea set to face Ajax in Women's Champions League quarter-finals with possible Barcelona clash up next

Faruq Ibrahim 15:39 - 06.02.2024

The UEFA Women's Champions League quarter-final draw and out, and it sets up some interesting possibilities for the semi-finals.

Chelsea Women's team has been drawn against Ajax in the quarter-finals of the Women's Champions League. 

This matchup could set the stage for a potential semi-final showdown with defending champions Barcelona. Last season, Barcelona narrowly edged out Chelsea with a 2-1 victory over two legs in the semi-finals.

Ajax and Brann, two captivating stories in this year's competition, have proven their mettle and won't be easy opponents. Ajax, making their debut in the UWCL group stage, outperformed Bayern Munich and Roma to reach this stage, while Brann finished just one point behind eight-time champions Lyon in Group B.

On the other side of the draw, Paris Saint-Germain will face Hacken, who secured a place in the last eight by defeating Real Madrid. 

Lyon is set to take on Benfica, a side with significant experience in recent editions of the competition. The winners of these ties will meet in the second semi-final.

The departure of Chelsea's manager, Emma Hayes, at the end of the season to become the head coach of the United States women's national team adds extra significance to this Champions League campaign. 

Chelsea manager Emma Hayes is leaving the club at the end of the season (IMAGO)
Chelsea manager Emma Hayes is leaving the club at the end of the season (IMAGO)

While Hayes has transformed Chelsea into a dominant force in English women's football, the club has yet to win the UWCL. This season presents a unique challenge for Chelsea, as they may have to overcome both holders Barcelona and record-winners Lyon to secure the title.

Barcelona and Lyon are the only previous champions remaining in this year's competition. Barcelona, the reigning champions, have claimed the trophy in two of the past three seasons, while Lyon has been crowned European champions a record eight times.

The quarter-finals' first legs are scheduled for March 19 and 20, with the return legs taking place on March 27 and 28.

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