Chelsea will have to come from behind against Barcelona to reach the Women’s Champions League final after losing the semi-final first leg at Stamford Bridge.

The England right-back went down off the ball holding her knee in the 66th minute, a day after her national team captain Leah Williamson was ruled out of the World Cup with a serious knee injury.

Barcelona manager Jonatan Giraldez said after the game that “the feeling is really good” with Bronze but there had been concerns at the time the defender felt the injury and they did not want to take any risks.

Her injury was the most significant moment of a second half that Barcelona dictated to see out a win that means Chelsea know they must score at least once when they travel to Spain on Thursday for the second leg.

The semi-final was a repeat of the 2021 final, when Barcelona put four goals past Chelsea after 36 minutes – and they threatened to do the same in London.

Graham Hansen was afforded too much space as she cut in off the right and fired brilliantly past goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger within four minutes.

Chelsea responded, creating chances of their own through Guro Reiten and Sam Kerr – but Barcelona substitute Marta Torrejon also struck the post late in the second half.

Emma Hayes’ side, who are seeking to win the Treble this season, know they will need a strong performance in Spain to overcome last year’s runners-up and keep that dream alive.

Tie remains finely balanced

The semi-final remains finely balanced despite the home-leg defence as Chelsea wisely dug in against Barca to give themselves a chance of something special next week.

Barcelona, who were shaken slightly by Chelsea’s positive response after conceding early, regrouped at the break and were able to play their trademark possession-based football.

Fridolina Rolfo forced a superb save from Chelsea goalkeeper Berger in the 90th minute after Torrejon’s effort had almost sneaked inside the post.

Sweden striker Rolfo was also a threat at set pieces, using her height to win aerial challenges, while Geyse and Salma Paralluelo threatened with their pace in behind.

Chelsea also had weapons that concerned Barcelona, notably when Kerr and Reiten combined when there was an opportunity to play direct came about.

From one of those link-ups they had the ball in the net in the first half – but it was ruled out for offside.

“We were aware of the direct game and Sam Kerr passing with Guro Reiten,” added Giraldez.

“It was beginning to be dangerous so we changed and stopped them at the first line. We controlled this better.

“It is a good win away here with this atmosphere. We played well and had chances. It’s still very open for the second leg.”

Substitute Lauren James made an impact after the break with her ability to carry the ball, helping Chelsea move up the pitch and relieve pressure on their defence.

Manager Hayes will have been boosted for the second leg by the return of forward Pernille Harder, who came off the bench to make her first appearance since November after recovering from a long-term injury.

Chelsea knew it was going to be a tough task against a Barcelona side who have looked supreme in Europe in recent years allied to the fact they were missing injured defenders Millie Bright and Kadeisha Buchanan.

But they remain in the hunt for three trophies this season – the Women’s Super League, the FA Cup and the ultimate European crown.

Barcelona – who like England fans will be encouraged that Bronze was able to walk back onto the pitch at full-time to shake hands with her opponents – are seeking a third successive final and know avoiding defeat in Spain next week will secure that.