Chelsea set to break record with packed-out Stamford Bridge welcoming Barcelona for huge Women's Champions League semi-final second leg showdown

It will be a huge boost for Chelsea Women to know that they can pack out their home ground for the biggest matches, as their meagre attendances in comparison for Emirates-filling London rivals Arsenal have been a source of criticism in the past. Only 12,800 fans watched the Blues' 5-1 WSL win over Liverpool at Stamford Bridge last year, but now Hayes' team are attracting sell-out crowds having reached the final stages of the UEFA Women's Champions League. There should be more than 40,000 in attendance for the huge game against Barca, with Chelsea Women's home attendance record currently 38,350.

While Hayes has won six WSL titles, five FA Cups and two League Cups as Chelsea boss, the Champions League is the only trophy she hasn't managed to get her hands on. With a one-goal lead going into the second leg, and a packed-out London crowd behind her, she'll be hoping that everything is in place for her side to reach the final.

The only previous time Hayes has guided Chelsea to the final was in 2020-21, when they were defeated 4-0 by a rampant Barcelona team. On that night, the goal-scorers included Spain internationals Alexia Putellas and Aitana Bonmati.

Lauren James, Erin Cuthbert and the rest of Chelsea's stars will be desperate to give Hayes the goodbye she deserves, with the revered coach leaving her post this summer after over a decade leading the west London club. It will be an emotional farewell, and winning the Champions League would be the cherry on the cake for the Blues boss and her team. First though, they have to navigate an extremely tricky tie with the current European champions.