In the quest for midfield supremacy eyes will also be drawn to the impending clash between Aitana Bonmati and Erin Cuthbert.
Bonmati, celebrated for her visionary playmaking, holds an impressive record of eight goals and nine assists in Liga F, alongside four goals in the Champions League, solidifying her reputation as both a scoring sensation and a creative mastermind. As the reigning Ballon d'Or recipient, her talent and influence on the field are unmatched.
Cuthbert's dynamic presence is evident in her Champions League statistics: boasting 997 total touches, 29 tackles won and 25 interceptions this season, she commands the Chelsea midfield with authority, promising a match-up of contrasting styles and formidable talents.
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
Walsh v Leupolz
Barcelona v Chelsea (12.30 BST)
Keeping Keira Walsh quiet should be one of Chelsea's main objectives, just as Sweden did against England a couple of weeks ago - defending a bit deeper than usual to try to nullify Walsh's influence. If Chelsea can do the same, that could be key against Barca.
The England midfielder's impressive 93.5% passing accuracy in the Champions League this season demonstrates her role as the orchestra conductor of the Catalan club. While Chelsea midfielder Melanie Leupolz's assertiveness contrasts with Barcelona's methodical style, highlighting her importance in her team's setup.
Leupolz's stats of eight out of 13 tackles won, 11 clearances, seven interceptions and 34 out of 48 duels won in the competition this season further emphasize her pivotal role in stifling opposition threats.
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
Post update
Where could today's game be won and lost? Here are the key match-ups to look out for...
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SMS Message: Off to Wembley shortly but hoping the women can do us proud. It will be a good start to the day if we beat Barca first and City later. from Phil
Off to Wembley shortly but hoping the women can do us proud. It will be a good start to the day if we beat Barca first and City later.
Chelsea's men face Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-finals this evening. It could be quite a day if you are a Blues fan.
Hayes 'not thinking about fairytales'
Barcelona v Chelsea (12.30 BST)
Emma Hayes insists she is "not thinking about fairytales" at the end of this season.
Hayes leaves Chelsea at the end of the season to manage the US women's national team and is yet to win the competition with Chelsea.
"But I'm not thinking about fairytales," she said. "[Barcelona] have been a top team in Europe in recent years. They are deserving of all the accolades they have achieved but it's a football match.
"There are two legs. All our job has been is to get ourselves in a position to get here in the competition."
Hayes said Barcelona have done "amazing things" but hopes other English sides can challenge more regularly in Europe soon.
"Listen, I think Barcelona's team will go down in history as one of the greatest women's teams ever," said Hayes.
"Barcelona is a generation that deserves the credit they get. They've done amazing things on the pitch. People don't realise how hard it is to play against them."
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
Can Chelsea break Barca hoodoo?
Barcelona v Chelsea (12.30 BST)
Chelsea's recent record against Barcelona is not stellar.
The Catalans beat the Blues in the 2021 final and in last season's semi-finals.
That final was particularly galling for Chelsea. In their first European showpiece, they conceded inside a minute and were 4-0 down by half-time.
Last year's semi-final is more encouraging, as Chelsea earned a 1-1 draw in Spain - before being beaten at Stamford Bridge in the second leg, thanks to Caroline Graham Hansen's fourth-minute strike.
Is the gap closer than ever, or are Barcelona still infallible? We shall soon have a better idea.
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
Football mixes with bridal show
Barcelona v Chelsea (12:30 BST)
Emma Sanders
BBC Sport at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys
BBC SportCopyright: BBC Sport
Barcelona's colours are so distinctive and it makes for a vibrant scene around the stadium.
Flags and scarves are on display throughout the stadium concourse, grounds and along the roads nearby.
There was a bridal fashion show taking place near the art museum on the road leading to the stadium, and mixed within the stunning gowns and white dresses, were red and blue striped Barcelona kits.
The club's fanbase had organised a gathering at Montjuic at 10.15 BST to welcome the team bus and follow them into the stadium along Passeig Olimpic.
Champions League 'the one Emma Hayes really wants'
Barcelona v Chelsea (12:30 BST)
Anita Asante
Former England defender on BBC Radio 5 Live
Everyone was wanting a good farewell tour for Emma Hayes, taking home all
trophies. But as we know football matches are never that simple.
They lost the
Conti Cup final to Arsenal, they are out of the FA Cup final now, but they are
still in contention for the two trophies that I think they would consider the
priority. That is the league and the Champions League.
I know that is the one
Emma Hayes really wants. They’ve gone through a difficult couple of weeks but
now it’s full focus on challenging Man City at the top in the league and their
Champions League semi-final against Barcelona.
'The Champions League is the big one'
Barcelona v Chelsea (12:30 BST)
Helen Ward
Former Chelsea striker on BBC Radio 5 Live
The Champions League is the one that’s been missing from Emma Hayes’
repertoire. She’s won everything else with the club and the this is
the big one.
An English team hasn’t won a European competition since the Arsenal
side that she was a coach with back in 2007. The Champions League is the big one. The WSL and the
league title is the bread and butter and there’s no way that she will want to
relinquish that in favour of the Champions League, but she will definitely be
keen to get this one on her list of achievements.
Get Involved
Get Involved: #bbcfootball, via WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply)
As ever, we would love to hear from you.
How are you watching today's game? What are your score predictions? And can Chelsea go all the way?
Let us know using the details above.
Bright is back
Barcelona v Chelsea (12.30 BST)
Chelsea's captain fantastic is on the bench today, and could play for the first time since November.
A perfectly timed return for Millie Bright.
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
Team news - James returns as Bright on bench with Bronze
Barcelona v Chelsea (12:30 BST)
Emma Sanders
BBC Sport at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys
Plenty of talent in the Barcelona side with Ballon d'Or winner Aitana Bonmati among those to start.
England midfielder Keira Walsh starts but defender Lucy Bronze is on the bench with former Manchester United full-back Ona Batlle getting the nod.
Fridolina Rolfo, Caroline Graham Hansen and Mariona Caldentey are among the other stars in the Barca XI.
Barcelona XI: Coll, Batlle, Paredes, Engen, Rolfo, Bonmati, Walsh, Patri, Graham Hansen, Paralluelo, Caldentey.
BBC SportCopyright: BBC Sport
Emma Hayes makes five changes to the Chelsea side who beat Aston Villa in the WSL this week.
Lauren James, who the club say had a foot injury on Wednesday, is back in the starting XI.
Captain Millie Bright is in the squad for the first time since November after recovering from a knee injury. Guro Reiten is also on the bench.
Melanie Leupolz, Erin Cuthbert, Johanna Rytting Kaneryd and Mayra Ramirez all return to the side.
Make ours a quadruple. Actually, maybe a treble. Oh, no, just a double...
Chelsea's season has become much less all-conquering in the last few weeks - but what a double it could be, if it features their first Women's Champions League title.
Who stands in their way? Just the reigning champions, Barcelona.
This is the big one, hopefully it lives up to expectations.
Live Reporting
Emma Smith
All times stated are UK
Bonmati v Cuthbert
Barcelona v Chelsea (12.30 BST)
In the quest for midfield supremacy eyes will also be drawn to the impending clash between Aitana Bonmati and Erin Cuthbert.
Bonmati, celebrated for her visionary playmaking, holds an impressive record of eight goals and nine assists in Liga F, alongside four goals in the Champions League, solidifying her reputation as both a scoring sensation and a creative mastermind. As the reigning Ballon d'Or recipient, her talent and influence on the field are unmatched.
Cuthbert's dynamic presence is evident in her Champions League statistics: boasting 997 total touches, 29 tackles won and 25 interceptions this season, she commands the Chelsea midfield with authority, promising a match-up of contrasting styles and formidable talents.
Walsh v Leupolz
Barcelona v Chelsea (12.30 BST)
Keeping Keira Walsh quiet should be one of Chelsea's main objectives, just as Sweden did against England a couple of weeks ago - defending a bit deeper than usual to try to nullify Walsh's influence. If Chelsea can do the same, that could be key against Barca.
The England midfielder's impressive 93.5% passing accuracy in the Champions League this season demonstrates her role as the orchestra conductor of the Catalan club. While Chelsea midfielder Melanie Leupolz's assertiveness contrasts with Barcelona's methodical style, highlighting her importance in her team's setup.
Leupolz's stats of eight out of 13 tackles won, 11 clearances, seven interceptions and 34 out of 48 duels won in the competition this season further emphasize her pivotal role in stifling opposition threats.
Post update
Where could today's game be won and lost? Here are the key match-ups to look out for...
Get Involved
Get Involved: #bbcfootball, via WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply)
Chelsea's men face Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-finals this evening. It could be quite a day if you are a Blues fan.
Hayes 'not thinking about fairytales'
Barcelona v Chelsea (12.30 BST)
Emma Hayes insists she is "not thinking about fairytales" at the end of this season.
Hayes leaves Chelsea at the end of the season to manage the US women's national team and is yet to win the competition with Chelsea.
"But I'm not thinking about fairytales," she said. "[Barcelona] have been a top team in Europe in recent years. They are deserving of all the accolades they have achieved but it's a football match.
"There are two legs. All our job has been is to get ourselves in a position to get here in the competition."
Hayes said Barcelona have done "amazing things" but hopes other English sides can challenge more regularly in Europe soon.
"Listen, I think Barcelona's team will go down in history as one of the greatest women's teams ever," said Hayes.
"Barcelona is a generation that deserves the credit they get. They've done amazing things on the pitch. People don't realise how hard it is to play against them."
Can Chelsea break Barca hoodoo?
Barcelona v Chelsea (12.30 BST)
Chelsea's recent record against Barcelona is not stellar.
The Catalans beat the Blues in the 2021 final and in last season's semi-finals.
That final was particularly galling for Chelsea. In their first European showpiece, they conceded inside a minute and were 4-0 down by half-time.
Last year's semi-final is more encouraging, as Chelsea earned a 1-1 draw in Spain - before being beaten at Stamford Bridge in the second leg, thanks to Caroline Graham Hansen's fourth-minute strike.
Is the gap closer than ever, or are Barcelona still infallible? We shall soon have a better idea.
Football mixes with bridal show
Barcelona v Chelsea (12:30 BST)
Emma Sanders
BBC Sport at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys
Barcelona's colours are so distinctive and it makes for a vibrant scene around the stadium.
Flags and scarves are on display throughout the stadium concourse, grounds and along the roads nearby.
There was a bridal fashion show taking place near the art museum on the road leading to the stadium, and mixed within the stunning gowns and white dresses, were red and blue striped Barcelona kits.
The club's fanbase had organised a gathering at Montjuic at 10.15 BST to welcome the team bus and follow them into the stadium along Passeig Olimpic.
Champions League 'the one Emma Hayes really wants'
Barcelona v Chelsea (12:30 BST)
Anita Asante
Former England defender on BBC Radio 5 Live
Everyone was wanting a good farewell tour for Emma Hayes, taking home all trophies. But as we know football matches are never that simple.
They lost the Conti Cup final to Arsenal, they are out of the FA Cup final now, but they are still in contention for the two trophies that I think they would consider the priority. That is the league and the Champions League.
I know that is the one Emma Hayes really wants. They’ve gone through a difficult couple of weeks but now it’s full focus on challenging Man City at the top in the league and their Champions League semi-final against Barcelona.
'The Champions League is the big one'
Barcelona v Chelsea (12:30 BST)
Helen Ward
Former Chelsea striker on BBC Radio 5 Live
The Champions League is the one that’s been missing from Emma Hayes’ repertoire. She’s won everything else with the club and the this is the big one.
An English team hasn’t won a European competition since the Arsenal side that she was a coach with back in 2007. The Champions League is the big one. The WSL and the league title is the bread and butter and there’s no way that she will want to relinquish that in favour of the Champions League, but she will definitely be keen to get this one on her list of achievements.
Get Involved
Get Involved: #bbcfootball, via WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply)
As ever, we would love to hear from you.
How are you watching today's game? What are your score predictions? And can Chelsea go all the way?
Let us know using the details above.
Bright is back
Barcelona v Chelsea (12.30 BST)
Chelsea's captain fantastic is on the bench today, and could play for the first time since November.
A perfectly timed return for Millie Bright.
Team news - James returns as Bright on bench with Bronze
Barcelona v Chelsea (12:30 BST)
Emma Sanders
BBC Sport at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys
Plenty of talent in the Barcelona side with Ballon d'Or winner Aitana Bonmati among those to start.
England midfielder Keira Walsh starts but defender Lucy Bronze is on the bench with former Manchester United full-back Ona Batlle getting the nod.
Fridolina Rolfo, Caroline Graham Hansen and Mariona Caldentey are among the other stars in the Barca XI.
Barcelona XI: Coll, Batlle, Paredes, Engen, Rolfo, Bonmati, Walsh, Patri, Graham Hansen, Paralluelo, Caldentey.
Emma Hayes makes five changes to the Chelsea side who beat Aston Villa in the WSL this week.
Lauren James, who the club say had a foot injury on Wednesday, is back in the starting XI.
Captain Millie Bright is in the squad for the first time since November after recovering from a knee injury. Guro Reiten is also on the bench.
Melanie Leupolz, Erin Cuthbert, Johanna Rytting Kaneryd and Mayra Ramirez all return to the side.
Chelsea XI: Hampton, Lawrence, Carter, Buchanan, Charles, Rytting Kaneryd, Cuthbert, Nusken, Leupolz, Ramirez, James.
Hello!
Make ours a quadruple. Actually, maybe a treble. Oh, no, just a double...
Chelsea's season has become much less all-conquering in the last few weeks - but what a double it could be, if it features their first Women's Champions League title.
Who stands in their way? Just the reigning champions, Barcelona.
This is the big one, hopefully it lives up to expectations.