The Catalan giants defeated us at this stage of the competition last season – winning 2-1 on aggregate – but Leupolz says the Blues will go into this afternoon's first leg in Barcelona confident of securing a result.

‘I think we've learned an enormous amount in the last few games, especially against Barcelona,' she says. ‘We've also realised we can hold our own, that we can play along, can make life difficult for them, and also score goals to win the game.

‘I believe we've grown enormously in recent years, also simply dealing with this international pressure and giving everything in the knockout games and being successful. That's why I'm positive about the whole thing.'

Reflecting on last season’s Champions League exit in the semi-finals, Leupolz says our painful defeat to the same side in the 2021 final may have played a part psychologically.

But she firmly believes the current Chelsea squad is ready to put that behind them as the season hits crunch time, with Leupolz focused on lifting Europe's top prize.

‘We can take lots from last season,' she says. 'Playing against teams like Barcelona always teaches you a lot. I thought we had a few problems in the first leg last year, the final was still a bit in our heads, but it was much better in the second leg.

‘That also makes me feel positive about the two games now, that we've realised that we are able to compete, that we will have our chances to score, that we can win the game if we have a good day.

'I came to Chelsea to play for and win the UEFA Champions League title – and I'm still convinced we can do it. Hopefully, we can do it this year.'

While full of confidence that we can get the job done, Leupolz is also well aware of the challenge at hand.

‘I think you have to know that you won't have the ball very much and that it will be about defence. You have to run a lot because they are very, very strong in terms of play, they run the ball incredibly well.

'So you have to wait patiently for your own chances and then take them. You've already seen in the group stage that other teams have also scored against them. That's why I'm positive.'