Mauricio Pochettino sends message to Emma Hayes' Chelsea ahead of crunch Champions League semi-final second leg against Barcelona

The Blues stunned European giants Barcelona last week as Erin Cuthbert's first-half strike secured a narrow win for the club in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final clash. This was the first time in over five years that the Catalan giants lost a home match and the first in two years where they failed to score a goal.

Ahead of the team's all-important second-leg encounter at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, Blues' men's team manager Mauricio Pochettino sent a good luck message to Emma Hayes and her players.

Speaking to reporters, Pochettino said, "All the best and so happy for Emma and all the coaching staff and players. We were watching the game before our game at Wembley. I have good memories because when I was in Espanyol, I started my coaching career at the Montjuic Stadium. They were playing there.

"I think beating Barcelona was fantastic but now the second leg is going to be tough here. Hope they keep the same result and go through to the final. All the best to Emma and the coaching staff and the players."

Chelsea will take on Barcelona hoping to secure a place in the Champions League final against either PSG or Lyon. After facing the Blaugrana in Europe, Hayes' side will be back in action in the Women's Super League on May 1 as they take on Liverpool.