Chelsea are out of the Women's Champions League after a 2-1 aggregate defeat to Barcelona.
Guro Reiten ensured the Blues got a 1-1 draw on the night with a fine finish but despite an excellent display, Chelsea couldn't find another goal to force extra-time.
Trailing 1-0 from the first leg, Emma Hayes' side knew they needed to score within the 90 minutes to at least force extra-time. But that became two when the Spanish champions doubled their lead just after the hour mark with Caroline Graham Hansen getting her second goal of the tie. Reiten lashed home a loose ball only minutes later to give the Blues hope, after Sam Kerr was denied.
Erin Cuthbert went close from distance and Emma Hayes threw on Lauren James and Pernille Harder to force extra-time. At the other end Salma Paralluelo forced an excellent save from Ann Katrin-Berger.
Here are the big talking points from Camp Nou.
Barcelona in the final after another Hansen moment of class provides differences
Chelsea had managed to frustrate the Spanish champions for over an hour of the second leg. But one attack of real quality put Barcelona firmly in control of their own European destiny.
After Guro Reiten had nearly got in at the other end, the hosts broke at pace with Mariona Caldentey hurtling towards the Chelsea back three. Her perfectly weighted ball found Graham Hansen and despite Jess Carter's best efforts, the ball was in the net. Hansen's finish in the first leg was ridiculous and once again her quality proved too much for the Blues defence.
It was harsh on Chelsea who had restricted Barcelona to few clear cut chances until that moment. But is showed how ruthless the hosts can be - and why they will be hot favourites for the final on June 3 regardless of their opponent.
Chelsea survive early onslaught
For the third meeting in-a-row between these two sides it was the Catalans who started fast. Match winner from the first leg Caroline Graham Hansen, nearly killed the tie within 8 minutes, only for her strike to be chalked off due to handball in the build-up.
Seconds later Hansen was tormenting Chelsea again, cutting inside from the right wing. Her shot was blocked and Asisat Oshoala sent an effort just over.
Ann Katri-Berger had to be alert in goal to deny Aitana Bonmati as Chelsea looked rattled. But this was progress for the Blues, for the first time against the Spanish champions they weren't chasing the game from the word go.
By surviving the early onslaught they set the tone for a tight second half.
Guro Reiten gives Blues hope despite controversy
Chelsea gave themselves a foot in the tie when Guro Reiten smashed the ball home after Sam Kerr was denied by Sandra Paños. Barcelona were claiming a foul in the build-up but Erin Cuthbert's tackle on Bonmati was inch perfect.
The crowds whistles seemed to cause a split second of hesitation from the home side. Before they knew it Kerr was bearing down on goal.
On this occasion the Aussie was denied, but the reliable Reiten got the Blues back in the tie with a fine finish. It was the least Emma Hayes' team deserved.
Putellas returns for finalists after lengthy absence
After nearly 10 months out of professional football Alexia Putellas, Ballon d'Or Feminin winner, returned to the matchday squad. The Barca skipper's homecoming reportedly saw an extra 5,000 tickets flogged the day before the game, such is the esteem she is held by the Catalan public.
Although Spain's greatest player wasn't quite ready to return on the pitch, her presence seemed go give the Camp Nou crowd a lift. If she can get her match sharpness back before the final, Barcelona will have yet another world class option to choose from.
Carter excels on the big stage
With a World Cup looming England fans have been dealt a number of injury blows in defence. The latest came in the first leg when Lucy Bronze hobbled off with a knee injury.
But Sarina Wiegman can take some comfort from watching tonight's game. Against one of the best attacks in the world, Jess Carter was outstanding.
Alongside Magda Eriksson and Maren Mjelde at centre-back she won a number of duels and used her to pace to stem the Barcelona attacks down the left. It was an exceptional defensive display from a player who may well be called upon this summer by one of the World Cup favourites.
James and Harder only used from the bench
It took until the 75th minute for Lauren James to grace the Camp Nou pitch, coming on alongside Pernille Harder, who is still working her way back to fitness. Emma Hayes spoke after the first leg of how James' positional discipline led to her selection decision.
But her plan for this one was clear. Stay in the tie and then unleash James against tiring legs. Both the England international and Harder brought fresh energy.
Knowing a goal would have forced extra-time, both took the game to the Barcelona defence.
Hayes should still take heart from European run
Emma Hayes has made no bones about her desire to get back to Europe's showpiece final, following Chelsea's defeat in 2021. They fell short this year against the same opposition, which will hurt their manager, a born winner.
But Hayes will also be proud of what her team achieved on the continent this season. The Blues came through a really tough group, which also included PSG and Real Madrid, unbeaten. They then knocked out Lyon, who have set the standard in women's European competition for the last decade, even winning the away leg.
They then went toe-to-toe with Barcelona over 180 minutes. The Blues have undoubtedly may huge strides this season and deserve credit for their Champions League campaign.
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