Chelsea progress into semi-finals after second-leg draw against Ajax

Chelsea were held to a 1-1 draw by Ajax in their UEFA Women’s Champions League quarter-final, but their work was already done from the first leg as they advance into the semi-finals.

Mayra Ramirez’s 34th-minute goal gave the Blues an unassailable aggregate advantage at Stamford Bridge, while Chasity Grant gave the Dutch side a glimmer of hope after 65 minutes.

However, Emma Hayes’ Chelsea were able to cruise into the last four in second gear, with a shade of complacency about them, as they were given a good test by Suzanne Bakker’s side.

This was a game of chances for both sides, as Romee Leuchter went closest for the visitors, while Zecira Musovic had her heart in her mouth after her clearance clattered off the pressing Tiny Hoekstra and kissed the foot of the post in an even first 45 minutes.

But Chelsea’s experience told, as Ramirez worked a yard of space to slot home beyond Regina van Eijk after being found by Guro Reiten.

The visitors responded with a second-half sucker punch as Grant tucked the ball underneath Musovic following Rosa van Gool’s through pass to set up an interesting last 25 minutes in west London, and the Dutch side had their tails up as they sought the unlikeliest of comebacks.

But Chelsea were wily in their play, seeing out the tie to sail into the semis.

It wasn’t all plain sailing for Hayes’ side, as Ajax posed their problems on the counter-attack, and the home side were sloppy in possession, particularly at the back.

Musovic made some decent saves towards the end, but was nervy with her feet, while Jess Carter and Kadeisha Buchanan also gave the ball away in silly positions when looking to play out from the back.

They may be through, and that’s all they’ll care about, but this was not a vintage Emma Hayes Chelsea performance by any means.

The Scotswoman was the heartbeat of the side, making everything tick in the middle of the park.

She showed great technique and footwork in tight areas, and excellent defensive awareness for second and third player runs off her shoulder.

She is crucial to this side.

Chelsea: Musovic 5, Perisset 6, Carter 5, Buchanan 5, Lawrence 6, Cuthbert 8, Ingle 6, Kirby 6, B-Jones 6, Ramirez 7, Reiten 6. Subs: Nusken 6, Macario 6. Cankovic 6, R-Kaneryd 6.

Ajax: van Eijk 6, Kardinaal 6, Spitse 7, de Sanders 6, de Klonia 6, Noordam 6, van Goo 6l, van de Velde 6, Grant 6, Leuchter 6, Hoekstra 6. Subs: Keijzer 6, Keukelaar 6, Noordman 6, Verhoeve 6, Tolhoek 6.

17’: CLOSE! That’s the closest that Ajax have come to getting on the scoresheet as the ball bounces into her path, and she spins Buchanan well before getting a snapshot off. However, she miscues it and it drifts wide of the far corner!

18’: OH MY GOODNESS! Tiny Hoekstra is so close to giving Ajax the lead as she charges down Musovic’s clearance, and the ball hits the onrushing winger and heads goalbound, but it clips the edge of the post and is away to safety. Not the best moment for Chelsea’s goalkeeper there!

34’: GOAL! CHELSEA 1-0 AJAX (RAMIREZ) On her debut in this competition for the Blues, Mayra Ramirez shows just why they signed her in January. Acres of space opened up on the right side of the Ajax defence, which the Colombian took full advantage of, gathering Reiten’s pass to stroke home beyond the helpless van Eijk. 1-0 Chelsea on the night, 4-0 on aggregate.

65’: GOAL! CHELSEA 1-1 AJAX (GRANT) A great goal to equalise on the night, as van Gool slides through a pass to Chasity Grant, who curves her run well to stay onside. She slots a tame effort underneath Musovic, who perhaps could have done better.

81’: GOOD SAVE! Leuchter still can’t score as she steps inside of Jess Carter, shaping it onto her right, but she didn’t put it wide enough of the keeper, who makes the save from close range.