The last nine editions of the women's Champions League have either been won by Lyon or Barcelona. The statistics speak for a new settlement between the big teams in the final in Lisbon on May 24.
But – two Swedish teams hope for an all-Swedish final instead.
Not least, Chelsea is seeking revenge after last year's semifinal loss to Barcelona.
And the semifinal loss the year before that.
And the final loss two years prior.
We all know how Barcelona plays, it will be a big challenge, says Chelsea star Johanna Rytting Kaneryd ahead of this year's semifinal.
But I really feel that this year we are incredibly strong, so I hope we can go all the way this year.
"Time for revenge"
Barcelona has dominated women's football in recent seasons and has two consecutive titles in the Champions League – but has also shown some, perhaps smaller, weaknesses. For example, last year, when Chelsea won the first semifinal 1–0 – away from home, too.
In the return match at Stamford Bridge, Barcelona secured the final spot. The double match was decided when Fridolina Rolfö scored 2–0 on a penalty in the 75th minute.
We all know how it went for us last year. But it's "time for revenge", says Johanna Rytting Kaneryd.
On the other hand, Barcelona has good memories from, among other things, last year's double match.
It's absolutely one of the toughest opponents we can face. But we had them last year in the Champions League too and have positive images from those matches, says Fridolina Rolfö.
"Good feeling"
In the other semifinal, Arsenal faces Lyon.
The London team was certainly in a bad position after a 0–2 loss to Real Madrid in the first quarterfinal. But the turnaround in the return match has given a good feeling, according to one of the team's Swedes, Amanda Ilestedt.
That we turned a 0–2 deficit and won at home 3–0, it's a good feeling, I must say, says the Arsenal defender.
It feels fun to go into a semifinal.
Besides Ilestedt, who has just returned from maternity leave, Lina Hurtig, Rosa Kafaji, and Stina Blackstenius also play for the London team.
It feels really good. I think we have a squad that can absolutely go all the way, says Amanda Ilestedt.
Saturday, April 19, 13.30: Arsenal–Lyon.
Sunday, April 20, 18.00: Barcelona–Chelsea.
Sunday, April 27, 15.00: Chelsea–Barcelona. 18.00: Lyon–Arsenal.
The final is played at Estádio José Alvalade in Lisbon at 18 on May 24.
