Emma Hayes warns Chelsea must be 'perfect' to beat Barcelona and reach Champions League final

Chelsea manager Emma Hayes has warned her side must be “perfect” if they are to beat Barcelona for the second time in a week and progress to the Champions League final.

Erin Cuthbert scored one goal in the first leg in Spain last Saturday as Barcelona suffered their first home defeat in five years. It was one of Hayes' best moments as Chelsea manager as his side defended heroically, but the manager knows it's only a break in the tie.

The London club are well aware of how dangerous Saturday's opponents can be as Jonathan Giraldez's side have twice ended Chelsea's hunt for European glory in 2021 and 2023. Barcelona, ​​who are in charge of the competition, will be hoping to reach the final of the Champions League for the fourth time in a row. but they will need to be more clinical in front of goal if they are to break down a strong Chelsea team.

Hayes was also encouraged by the return of defenders Millie Bright and Nathalie Bjorn to training. Maren Mjelde is also back in contention, which gave Chelsea a big boost to the squad heading into the second leg.

Speaking to the media ahead of Saturday's game at Stamford Bridge, Hayes revealed what his team must do if they are to reach the final in Bilbao.

“It doesn't matter what they throw at us, whether it's down nine, filling the right-hand side, putting us out of position, Barcelona can hurt you in many different ways,” the Chelsea boss said.

“For us as a team, we must be careful that you cannot switch off even for one second. This is a head first game. We know we have to be perfect in order to progress.”

Barcelona were in league action during the week as they extended their lead at the top of Liga F to 12 points with a 4-2 win over Levante Las Planas. However, Giraldez managed to rest a number of key players, including Ballon d'Or winner Aitana Bonmati, ensuring his side are still fresh for Saturday's game.

Chelsea, on the other hand, had a clear midweek and plenty of time to prepare for the second leg, with their next league game against Liverpool on Wednesday. They will be hoping to reach their second Champions League final and take a step closer to securing the one trophy that has always eluded them.

Much rests on this game for Chelsea, not least because it could be Hayes' last European game in charge of the club. The manager will leave at the end of the season after more than a decade at Chelsea, but has played down the feelings of the tie, insisting it is just external noise.

“I don't think about it emotionally,” Hayes said. “I have my football family and I love being in the trenches with them and, as always, I'm looking forward to watching them play tomorrow.

“Our players play for the badge, they play for their family and they play for each other, I am part of that, I am in the team, it is not me, it is us.

“These players play at this football club to play in all Chelsea games. Not just tomorrow's.”

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