UEFA Women's Champions League: 'Frustrated' Emma Hayes not getting 'carried away' with victory in Barcelona
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Published 20/04/2024 at 15:52 GMT
Emma Hayes was left "frustrated" despite her Chelsea side beating Barcelona in the first leg of their UEFA Women's Champions League semi-final, handing the Spanish side their first home defeat in five years. Erin Cuthbert's only goal of the game has given Chelsea a one-goal advantage, but Hayes feels they could have had more. Watch the return leg on Saturday, April 27 on TNT Sports and discovery+.
BARCELONA, SPAIN - APRIL 20: Emma Hayes, Manager of Chelsea, looks on during the UEFA Women's Champions League 2023/24 semi-final Leg One match between FC Barcelona and Chelsea FC at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys on April 20, 2024 in Barcelona, Spain. (Ph
Image credit: Eurosport
Emma Hayes admitted she was "disappointed and frustrated" that Chelsea could not score a second goal in their UEFA Women's Champions League semi-final victory over Barcelona.
Erin Cuthbert's first-half effort sealed a crucial first-leg victory in Spain for Chelsea, who will head into the return leg at Stamford Bridge next week with a one-goal advantage.
Despite the favourable result, Chelsea boss Hayes remained reserved over her side's chances of progressing to the final.
"It's just half-time," Hayes insisted after the match.
"Nobody should get carried away with that and to be honest with you, I'm disappointed we didn't get the second goal, so I'm a little frustrated to be honest.
"It's a difficult place to come, they [Chelsea] carried out the game plan and everything I asked them to do. From that perspective, I'm happy.
"A lot of teams come here and they go one, two [goals] down very early on, so you have to ride that," Hayes added, reflecting on Chelsea's nervy start at the Estadi Olimpic.
"They have unbelievable players, world class in everything they do. You have to expect they're going to create chances, but I think for the most part we limited them."
Although Hayes labelled Barca as "the best team in the world", Chelsea managed to deny Jonatan Giraldez's side a single shot on target.
"I think I know how to come away from home and get a result," Hayes said. "We have not performed against Barcelona at home, so we achieved that today.
"We have underperformed when we have played at home I think that Barcelona have another level in them, that's clear.
"Maybe they don't feel they were at their best today, so we have to anticipate that."
The Blues welcome Barca to West London for the return leg next Saturday, live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
Hayes feels that Chelsea gave a good account of themselves in Spain, but sent a rallying call to Chelsea fans to make Stamford Bridge a fortress for the return leg.
"We will only be as strong as the crowd that comes out," Hayes said. "It's important for us that we pack Stamford Bridge out to give us half a chance against the best team in the world.
"We are at half-time and I believe there is another level in Barcelona. From our perspective, show humility towards that, continue to work on the tactical details and if we switch off for one second, they'll defeat us."
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