Barcelona Women’s Champions League holders have dominated the competition in recent years, but show signs of losing their advantage as they face Chelsea in the semifinals for the third consecutive season.

Barcelonawho have raised the trophy in three of the last four publications, are determined to extend their success era while they are in host Chelsea Sunday in the first match.

However, Pere Romeu’s side is not yet the unstoppable strength they were under his ancestor Jonathan Giraldez, and Chelsea have taken a step forward with former Lyon Sonia Bommaster’s coach at the top.

Barcelona brought out 2-1 blues in each of the last two seasons at this stage, but this year Chelsea has reason to believe they may gain revenge.

Barcelona still owns many stars, including twice Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmati And Alexia Putellas, but have also lost some big names.

Chelsea and England Duo Bronze And Keira Walsh will face their previous side, while Mariona Caldedey signed for Arsenal, who faces Lyon in the next semifinal.

Caroline Graham Hansen was without a doubt the best player in the world last season, even when teammate Bonmati won Ballo d’Or.

The Norwegian winger is still an explosive threat on the right arm, but its shape has slightly immersed, which is the case for some players.

After fighting a severe knee injury, Putella lacked sustainability, though it is still capable of sublime, while Friedolina Rolfo is in a similar position.

Young people like Vicky Lopez and Sydney Schetenleib are promising and are finding their basis, but have not yet created themselves as the main players.

The amount of success Barcelona has enjoyed in recent years can also be a factor – it’s hard to have the same hunger with a trophy -filled belly.

Meanwhile, the opposition in Spain and Europe is improving year a year.

Barcelona suffered a first loss ever against Real Madrid rivals in March, their second loss to the League campaign.

They were also stripped in Manchester City earlier in the Champions League.

Of course, with the quality they have, Barcelona can still end the season with any trophies they are competing for.

“This team is accustomed to playing knack-out games like this, high-level games“Said Romeu Boat Coach.

“We’ve done it against Chelsea in recent years and the games have been very equal“

‘The gap is closing’

Barca won the Spanish Super Cup, reached the Copa de la Reina final and are in charge of evil F.

The ruthless Thasings of Wolfsburg and Atletico Madrid show that the Catalans are still teams to defeat.

“Our goal is to win everything, you know it, and we are alive in all races,“Barcelona midfielder Patri Guijarro told Mundo Deportivo.

“Why can’t we do it again? That’s what we want“

Chelsea is singing for a fourfold of them this season, but will be without Lauren James for Johan Cruyff Arena.

Blues beat Barça 1-0 at the Olympic Stadium last season thanks to Erin CuthbertStrike, but an opposite 2-0 at home ended their dream of winning the competition for the first time.

“The gap is closing and is a two -legged tie, everything can happen“Cutbert warned.

“They have been historically the best for a few years now … There is no better evidence than going against the best.“

Barcelona three -time champions, meanwhile, still have Lyon’s record with eight trophies as their long -term ambition to imitate.