Chelsea have to be 'perfect' against Barca - Hayes

Emma Hayes says Chelsea have to be “perfect” to be able to progress from their Women’s Champions League semi-final against Barcelona.

Chelsea beat Barcelona 1-0 in the first leg in Spain last week as the defending champions lost on home soil for the first time in five years.

Hayes’ side will welcome Barca, four-time finalists in the last five seasons, to a sold out Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

"They are the best team in the world, I’ve said it a million times," said Hayes.

"They know how to be in this position and no matter what they throw at us - whether that’s bringing a false nine, overloading the left-hand side, accessing the pivot or drawing us out of position - Barcelona can hurt you in so many different ways.

"We have to be so, so mindful that you can’t switch off for one single second. This is a game that is played in the head first and foremost - and we know we have to be perfect to be able to progress."

This week, Chelsea captain Millie Bright told BBC Sport it was "probably the biggest game of our careers" as they aim to hold on to their narrow lead.

Barcelona have the current Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmati in their squad, as well as Alexia Putellas, who wore that crown for the previous two years.

They thrashed Chelsea in the 2021 final and narrowly beat them 2-1 on aggregate in the semi-finals last season.

Asked about managing their emotions given an exceptional first-leg victory, Hayes said: "The only person that can send me over the edge is my child.

"When I can’t manage a situation with a five-year-old, I’m a bit flustered. Being a parent is the hardest thing in the world. Being a football manager with your team is a privilege and an honour.

"I don’t think about it emotionally, I’m with my football family. I like being in the trenches with them and, as always, I look forward to watching them play tomorrow [Saturday]."

Hayes' side are boosted by the potential return of defender Nathalie Bjorn and versatile midfielder Maren Mjelde following their recovery from injury.

Bright, who had missed five months with a knee injury, returned to the squad as an unused substitute last week and says she is "fully fit" for selection.

Barcelona had a full squad in training on Friday which means England's Keira Walsh and Lucy Bronze could feature against on Saturday.

Barcelona midfielder Bonmati admits this is unfamiliar territory for her side as they look to bounce back from defeat for the first time this season.

There was a rare scare for Barca when England's Bronze scored a 96th-minute equaliser to draw 4-4 with Benfica in the group stages, while they drew 1-1 at home to Levante in Liga F in February.

They have bounced back before - coming from 2-0 down to beat Wolfsburg 3-2 in last year's final - and Bonmati hopes they can draw from that experience.

"It’s a new challenge, we don’t find ourselves in this situation many times during the season," said Bonmati.

"These are the kind of games that motivate us and make us play our best. I don’t expect anything less from this team.

"We knew how to comeback in the Eindhoven final in 45 minutes, why not now in 90 [minutes]?"

Barcelona boss Jonatan Giraldez said they have to be "mentally strong to overcome the difficulties" and overturn their narrow first-leg deficit.

"When things go well, everything is easier. In bad situations, we have to have the mental ability to turn things around," he added.

"Because of our experience in these kinds of games, the psychological side will be very important - but the footballing side will also be key.

"We will see a great game with top players who will put out a great show."