Why Chelsea have 'unfinished business' against Barcelona as Champions League pledge made

Mayra Ramirez has admitted she has "unfinished business" with Barcelona as Chelsea Women prepare to take on the Spanish giants in the Women's Champions League semi-final.

The Blues will be looking for revenge this time around after being knocked out by Barcelona at this stage in the competition last season. Ramirez, who has three goals in the Champions League this season, is especially looking forward to the tie, with the first leg to be played in Barcelona on Sunday and the second leg at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, April 27.

After playing in the 1-0 away victory in the first leg last season, Ramirez missed the 2-0 second leg loss due to injury. One year on and the Colombia international is more than ready for the tie.

Speaking to the official Chelsea website, the striker said: "For me it was a very good memory when we took the unbeaten record in the Champions League from Barcelona, a 1-0 win with a goal from Erin [Cuthbert]. It was a very physical game, but what I remember overall is the fact we didn't make it to the final.

"In the first leg I gave my best, but I was left with the disappointment of not playing in the second leg due to an injury. We had already taken a step forward in Barcelona, and then it was our turn at home.

"So, for me it was tough to miss the crucial second game. I tried to send positive energy to my team-mates so we could win, but it wasn't to be. Those are the games you always want to play in.

"'I feel that I have unfinished business in terms of being able to play in both semi-final matches. We're going to keep that disappointment in mind and use it to fuel us forward to reach the final in Lisbon.

"So, I feel like this is going to be a rematch for Chelsea, and I feel we need to finally reach a final in Lisbon. We're going to come out with everything we've to get through those two games."

The final will take place at Estadio Jose Alvalade in Lisbon on Saturday, May 24 and Ramirez believes the team has what it takes to get there. "I think the team is totally focused on getting the win and qualifying," she said.

"I feel Chelsea are preparing in the best possible way, we are working on tactics, we are doing a lot of things so we can face this game with our best weapons, with all the players at 100 per cent. So, I think it's going to be a great tie between two teams that could have actually met each other in the final.

"Every player dreams of playing in the final and lifting the Champions League trophy, I think it's the biggest title at club level internationally."

Tickets for Chelsea's Champions League semi-final against Barcelona at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, April 27 can be purchased here.

football.london Chelsea WhatsApp channel

Want to keep up to date with the breaking and important Chelsea stories whilst on the move? Well now you can!

Click this link to follow the football.london Chelsea WhatsApp channel, where you'll be kept up to date on the latest Blues news wherever you are.

Just remember to turn on the notifications once you've followed, and you won't miss a beat!