Barcelona Women 0-1 Chelsea Women: Erin Cuthbert scores as Emma Hayes' side produce superb performance in first leg of Champions League semi-final

This will have to go down as one of the greatest Chelsea performances during Emma Hayes’ tenure.

One for the ages, one for the history books - and possibly one that helps them reach the Champions League final at the expense of the holders.

Barcelona had not lost at home since February 13, 2019. They had not lost all season. Their record in the Spanish league stands at 96 goals scored and just six conceded.

Chelsea needed a perfect performance to have a chance. Hayes’ players gave her that and more.

She has come under fire in recent weeks after defeats against Arsenal and Manchester United, but this was a tactical masterclass.

From captain Erin Cuthbert, who scored the only goal of the game, to Jess Carter in defence to Sjoeke Nusken and Mayra Ramirez, every single Chelsea player worked tirelessly for 90 minutes plus the nine added on at the end of the second half.

The small margins went Chelsea’s way. Barca had a penalty overturned by VAR at the start of the second half, while Alexia Putellas somehow fired wide from five yards out with the last kick of the game.

Barca and their supporters were stunned. They are not used to losing, never mind in their own back-yard. But they will also know that this tie is far from over.

Chelsea cannot and will not get carried away. They will need to produce another performance like this at Stamford Bridge next week to progress.

Chelsea knew Barca would start strongly and that they would have to disciplined in defence. They limited the hosts to half chances and settled into their rhythm. Barca became frustrated and started to become sloppy in possession as Chelsea continued to press them into mistakes.

The Blues had threatened to cause problems in behind on a few occasions and just before half-time their efforts were rewarded.

It was a great team move as Ramirez held up the ball on the left before laying it back to Melanie Leupolz, who played a first-time pass into Nusken. The midfielder did brilliantly to turn and hold off a challenge before teeing up Cuthbert on the edge of the box, who took two touches to go past Ingrin Engen before firing a superb strike into the top right corner.

Barca thought they were going to be given a route back into the game early in the second half when they were awarded a penalty after Kadeisha Buchanan blocked Patricia Guijarro’s shot with her arm. But referee Stephanie Frappart was sent to review the incident on the VAR monitor and, with replays showing Paralluelo had interfered from an offside position, the decision was overturned.

Such is Barca’s squad depth, they could afford to have two-time Ballon d’Or winner Putellas and England’s Lucy Bronze on the bench. Both were introduced just past the hour mark as the hosts looked for an equaliser.

The changes gave Barca a boost, but Chelsea continued to frustrate and cause problems on the break, with Ramirez firing an effort over the bar from close range.

Paralluelo came close to levelling but could only send her volley at the back-post wide. Putellas had an even better chance when the ball dropped to her in the box in the final seconds, but she missed the target as Chelsea breathed a sigh of relief.