Achi news desk-
Emma Hayes has blasted what she called “the worst decision in the history of the Women’s Champions League” after Chelsea fell to defeat at Barcelona.
Kadeisha Buchanan was given her marching orders in the second half of an intense battle with the Blues being dispatched 2-1 on aggregate at Stamford Bridge.
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Defeat in the second leg – watched by a record crowd of 39,398 at the stadium led to the hosts being relegated from their half-year run by top leaders Spain.
It ended their dreams of lifting the Champions League trophy for the first and last time under Hayes, with the Blues boss set to take over as United States Women’s boss this year.
It also saw hopes of a silverware double dashed with the WSL title remaining their only chance of winning after semi-final losses in the FA and Conte Cups.
Buchanan was booked twice in four minutes by referee Juliana Demetrescu.
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First for a trip on Selma Paraluello and then following a challenge on Patri Guijarro as both players battled for possession.
While the quarterback received the ball during the second incident, she was given her marching orders after Guijarro fell to the turf clutching her leg.
And she looked sad as she walked straight down the tunnel after her 59God’A second invite reviewed with her teammates appeals that were rejected by the referee.
The sending off came after Barca took a 1-0 lead in the first half following Itana Bonamati’s strike which deflected off Buchanan’s goal.
Hayes said: “They had a strong first half, the goal put them in a good position.
“But in the second half I felt we were just getting on top, and you could see the combination of the crowd and the players who motivated us, felt really confident.
“So, when you get such a shocking refereeing decision, there’s nothing you can do about it.
“It’s hard enough when you’re 11 but when you’re 10 it’s almost impossible.”
Regarding the offense that led to Buchanan’s dismissal, Hayes added: “Even the Barcelona players said that the referee helped them. I didn’t think it was a foul, let alone a yellow card.
“When you lose a game, for us we didn’t feel like we had the opportunity to lose it, it was taken away.
“I was surprised to see her selected, she is known for (giving) easy cards. It was probably the worst decision in the history of the UEFA Women’s Champions League.
Buchanan’s departure led to spot-kick drama with the visitors awarded a penalty in the 74th minute.
It happened after Bonamati fell in the box after a collision with Blues defenders Ashley Lawrence and Jess Carter.
A VAR review upheld Demetresco’s decision to award a penalty by Pridolina Rolfo who sent goalkeeper Hannah Hampton the wrong way before finishing into the bottom corner.
Hayes, with influential striker Mayra Ramirez absent, said: “I’m mad at them [the players]We were robbed.
“I really believe we were at the top of the game, we just hit the post, we could feel the momentum going in that direction, but we didn’t have time to experience it.
All the talk is about it. Yes, we lost Mayra Ramirez after training, it didn’t help, but you need everything to go, two yellow cards, a dismissal and a penalty, everything went as it should.”
At the start of the game, the scene was set for what some Chelsea fans would have hoped would be a farewell to Stamford Bridge legends Hayes in her final appearance as Blues boss on the pitch.
A record crowd of 39,398 streamed in to watch the match – the biggest ever for a women’s match at the ground let alone a Women’s Champions League clash.
In the opening 20 minutes the rivals competed for possession before Barcelona came out on top in attack with Etna Bonamati among their biggest threats.
The Women’s Ballon d’Or winner opened the scoring in the 25thGod’ minute with her angled kick following a Kyra Walsh pass that was deflected into the goal.
But instead of letting their heads drop Chelsea, who were without influential striker Mayra Ramirez, responded brightly.
And they had some golden opportunities to level.
The crowd roared as Melanie Leupholz hit the post from six yards out in the 31stStreet Minute.
However, that effort would have been ruled out for offside by Lauren James.
And Caterina Macario forced a corner with her floored effort and forced an overzealous save from Catalina Cole.
Another huge chance went begging close to half-time when Noskan almost punished a sloppy Barca back pass. She fed the ball to James who somehow failed to slot home from close range.
In the second half, Chelsea came out swinging in search of a level.
But disaster struck when Buchanan was removed.
Hayes made a late dice roll and sent on forward Aggie Beaver-Jones for Leupholtz.
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and triple 84God’A minute change saw Fran Kirby and Eve Priest enter the fray alongside skipper Millie Bright who played up front as a full back striker.
Chelsea asked for a pen when Beaver-Jones was brought down in the box late on. But a VAR review saw no reward.
The visitors held on to claim victory.
A duel with Lyon or Paris-Saint-Germain awaits them in the final in Bilbao, Spain in May.
