“This is the largest game we’re most likely going to play in our careers.”
Chelsea captain Millie Bright is aware of the problem that faces her facet on Saturday after they welcome defending champions Barcelona to Stamford Bridge for the second leg of their Women’s Champions League semi-final.
The Blues stunned Barcelona last week, turning into the primary crew in 5 years to beat the Catalans on dwelling soil in a aggressive game with a 1-0 win because of Erin Cuthbert’s first-half strike.
“We know it is a unbelievable opponent, we all know the storm that is about to come back and we’ve got rather a lot of respect for them,” Bright advised BBC Sport.
“It’s nonetheless half-time. It was a unbelievable end result and efficiency from the women [in Spain] however equally, we all know that Barca had been most likely not at their greatest.”
Bright captained England to the World Cup ultimate final yr, 12 months after serving to the Lionesses win Euro 2022 – however that is as large because it will get for her membership in supervisor Emma Hayes’ ultimate season.
European giants Barcelona have performed in 4 of the previous 5 Women’s Champions League finals – profitable twice. In their squad are two gamers – Alexia Putellas and Aitana Bonmati – who’ve received the previous three Ballon d’Ors between them.
“They will completely ramp it up. We have to ensure we’re on our A-game in any other case that end result means nothing if we do not get the job performed on Saturday,” added Bright.
“We are in an incredible place and we all know it is about staying switched on. It’s a crew that we won’t afford to slide up in opposition to or take our foot off the fuel as a result of they may punish you.”
‘I really like being the underdog’
Last week’s loss was Barcelona’s first at dwelling since February 2019 in Spain final week and it confirmed Chelsea’s development in Europe.
They had been thrashed 4-0 by Barca of their solely ultimate look in 2021, earlier than a slender defeat at Stamford Bridge within the semi-finals final season in the end proved pricey in a 2-1 combination defeat.
With Hayes set to depart to handle the US ladies’s nationwide crew this summer time and Chelsea having didn’t win both of the 2 home cups, stress has elevated to safe the Women’s Super League and Women’s Champions League titles.
Bright isn’t fazed by Barcelona being favourites and hopes an enormous crowd at Stamford Bridge on Saturday may also help Chelsea – with greater than 34,000 tickets already bought – safe their spot in a European showpiece.
“We are undoubtedly the underdogs on this draw and that is fantastic – we all know our place and our function,” she mentioned.
“But as Emma [Hayes] at all times says, any crew may be overwhelmed. It’s the way you set yourselves up to try this.
“I do know everybody mentioned [the first leg] was an absolute masterclass by Emma. It was a credit score to the gamers to purchase into that gameplan – and it labored, we acquired the end result.”
Bright added: “We will give every part and it is further motivation figuring out that that is Emma’s final season.
“We want each single fan there. We want the stadium packed and completely rocking. The followers make an unimaginable affect on the game. We felt it after we went to Barcelona.”
‘This season has been one of most chaotic’
Bright missed 5 months with a knee harm however returned to the squad final week and insists she is “totally match” for the second leg.
“That was my goal – to be chosen for that game,” mentioned Bright. “I knew it was an enormous game for us and we wanted everybody there.
“From a management facet, it is arduous to contribute whenever you’re not bodily there. I used to be simply proud to be again.
“It’s been a really tough season for me personally however I’m glad to be again for the tip of the season.”
Bright took over the armband at Chelsea this summer time and admits it has been a difficult season for the membership – and personally whereas absent by means of harm.
“I really feel like I’ve been a bit of a mom this season. I’m a individuals particular person and I take care of those round me, whether or not that is employees or gamers. I’ve felt an additional want to try this this yr,” mentioned Bright.
“This season has been one of probably the most chaotic. We’ve had gamers injured, new signings coming in and the announcement of Emma [Hayes] leaving. It appears like there’s been a lot crammed into one season.
“We’ve had rather a lot to take care of so I’m so proud of the women’ mentality, their professionalism and the way in which they’ve dealt with these conditions. It’s been a tough season, for positive.”
