Barcelona continued their bid to defend the UEFA Women’s Champions League title with a 5-2 aggregate victory over Brann to make the last four – which sets up a mouth-watering tie with Emma Hayes’ Chelsea.
Leading 2-1 from the first leg in Norway, Barcelona built on their advantage at Estadi Johan Cruyff thanks to goals from Aitana Bonmati, Fridolina Rolfo and Patricia Guijarro.
Bonmati’s first-half goal further strengthened Barcelona’s position before Rolfo made it two on the night 11 minutes after the restart.
Tomine Svendheim’s effort handed the visitors a memorable goal in Spain and gave her side a fighting chance of a comeback, before Guijarro wrapped up the scoring with two minutes remaining.
The Spanish giants were not at their best but did not need to be to clinch their spot in a sixth consecutive semi-final.
Bonmati’s stunning left-footed effort into the far corner of the net gave Barcelona a stylish lead. It was the midfielder’s 18th goal in all competitions so far this season.
Aurora Mikalsen had made a number of saves to keep Brann in the game but the visiting goalkeeper was beaten again when Caroline Graham Hansen’s cross deflected into the path of Rolfo for an easy finish.
But Brann’s work-rate and never-say-die attitude was rewarded when Svendheim’s side-footed effort crashed off the base of a post and nestled in the net to give the Norwegians a lifeline.
A comeback never looked likely however, and Guijarro ensured Barcelona had the final say when she finished from close range following a quality attacking move involving Bonmati and Graham Hansen.
Barcelona can now look forward to a two-legged showdown with Chelsea in what is a repeat of last year’s last-four encounter when the Spanish side narrowly edged past The Blues.
PSG cruise past Hacken to set up Lyon semi
Paris Saint-Germain set up an all-French last-four clash with rivals Lyon with a 5-1 aggregate win over Hacken.
Tabitha Chawinga scored in the first leg, which PSG won 2-1, and the in-form striker was on target in the French capital to give the hosts a 1-0 lead at half-time.
Korbin Albert and Marie-Antoinette Katoto added to the scoreline after the restart to complete a comprehensive triumph.
It took only 27 minutes for Chawinga to register PSG’s first, a thunderous strike into the far corner of the net leaving Jennifer Falk with no chance.
Two goals in four second-half minutes put the gloss on another fine showing with Katoto’s deft header doubling their advantage on the night and a fine Albert effort from distance wrapping up the scoring.
PSG have made it through to the semi-finals seven times in the last nine years but have yet to get their hands on the prestigious trophy.
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