UEFA Women’s Champions League semi-final ties get underway on Sunday 25 April, with a new name set for the trophy.
Paris Saint Germain v Barcelona (2pm UK time) – live on BT Sport Extra 3
Bayern Munich v Chelsea (4pm UK time) – live on BT Sport 2
A first-time finalist is also guaranteed, as Chelsea face a Bayern Munich side that has just got back to winning ways, their run of 26 straight wins having been ended by Bundesliga and German Cup losses.
Bayern could be without first-choice keeper Laura Benkarth following a recent knee injury, 19-year-old Maria Luisa Grohs has been deputising between the sticks.
Chelsea, who have bowed out at this stage in the last two seasons, include Melanie Leupolz, who joined the Blues in the summer after six years at Bayern.
Jens Scheuer, Bayern coach, told uefa.com: “Chelsea have managed to build an outstanding team in recent years. They have many international stars in their squad. For example they signed Pernille Harder from Wolfsburg. Chelsea wanted to be at the top of Europe and they walked the talk. It’s a huge challenge for us.”
Paris Saint-Germain, having ended Lyon’s five-year reign as UWCL holders, now face 2019 beaten finalists Barcelona, with no Spanish side having won the competition to date.
While PSG’s Chilean keeper Christiane Endler has kept 17 clean sheets from 21 matches this season, Barcelona have hit a huge total of 156 goals from 33 games this season. Barca striker Asisat Oshoala has been out since foot surgery, while midfielder Patri Guijarro is suspended for the first leg.
Lluís Cortés, Barcelona coach, said: “We know that Paris have huge physical power, a very high pace of play, a lot of speed. They will be two very demanding matches, different from all the ones we play in the league.”
Both second-leg ties are on Sunday 2 May.
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