AFRIQUECAN: CHELSEA have booked Chelsea their place in the Women’s Champions League semi-finals for a second season running with a comfortable aggregate victory over Ajax… www.afriquecan.com
Emma Hayes’ side, who are chasing the quadruple this season, had a 3-0 lead from the first leg and only needed to complete the job at Stamford Bridge.
They got the early goal they craved when Mayra Ramirez slotted it through the legs of goalkeeper Regina van Eijk in the 33rd minute.
But Ajax were able to respond after the break as Chasity Grant raced onto a through ball to slide a shot past goalkeeper Zecira Musovic from close range.
Chances for both sides came and went in the first half, with neither team taking control, before Ajax stepped up their attempts to mount a comeback.
But Chelsea were composed as they did enough to seal qualification, while resting players before this weekend’s Women’s League Cup final against Arsenal.
It means USA-bound Hayes’ hopes of winning the European crown for the first time with Chelsea remain alive in her final season with the club.
The Blues could face defending champions Barcelona next – they have a 2-1 lead going into Thursday’s quarter-final with Norway’s Brann – and Chelsea will hope to make amends for their semi-final defeat by the Spanish giants last season.
