There were measured words from Emma Hayes after her side inflicted Barcelona’s first home defeat since 2019, with a warning that our opponents are likely to raise their game when we meet again next weekend.
Chelsea secured a 1-0 lead going into the second leg thanks to a sweetly struck Erin Cuthbert goal late in the first half in Spain.
It is so far so good, but our manager knows more is needed, and she has called on the Blues supporters to help.
‘It is just half-time,’ Hayes said as she began her analysis.
‘Nobody should get carried away with that and to be honest, I'm disappointed we didn't get the second goal. So I'm a little frustrated to be honest but it's a difficult place to come. They carried out the game plan I'd ask them to do so from that perspective, I'm happy.
‘A lot of teams come here and they go one or two goals down very early on, so you have to ride that. Barcelona are world-class in everything they do. You have to expect they're going to create chances but for the most part, we limited them.
‘I know how to come away from home and get a result but we have not performed against Barcelona at home and I think that Barcelona have another level in them. Maybe they don't feel they were at their best today so we have to anticipate that.’
The home side were denied a penalty for handball early in the second half after it was decided Salma Paralluelo had been offside.
‘She's offside and she's interfering and that's the rules, and I think for the first time ever we've actually had a VAR decision that has gone in our favour,’ declared Hayes, who also thought her team were close to being award a penalty for a challenge on Mayra Ramirez soon after.
‘These games are separated by fine margins and we have been humiliated by Barcelona at times. The way they play football is beautiful. They had lots of the ball and they can hurt you. I thought the last 10 minutes they really started to get on top but you have to expect that here.’
Our manager concluded by looking ahead to the second leg with a wish for a passionate atmosphere on the day.
‘We will only be as strong as the crowd that comes out. It's important for us we pack Stamford Bridge out to give ourselves half a chance against the best team in the world. We are at half-time and I believe there is another level in Barcelona.
‘From our perspective, we must show humility towards that, continue to work on the tactical details and if we switch off for one second, they will defeat us.’