Women’s Champions League semi-finals: Barcelona v Chelsea key match-ups

Chelsea's hopes of winning the Champions League in manager Emma Hayes' final season remain alive, but Barcelona head into Saturday's semi-final first leg as favourites.

While the Blues are yet to lift the famous trophy Hayes has steered the club from a position of no significant trophies to become the dominant force in England, boasting six Women's Super League titles, five FA Cups and two League Cups.

Hayes and her Barcelona counterpart Jonatan Giraldez, both departing at the end of the season, face the opportunity to move one step closer to European glory.

The fixture is a repeat of last season's semi-final, which Barca won 2-1 on aggregate before going on to lift the trophy by beating Wolfsburg in the final.

Who will come out on top this time around? BBC Sport delves into five pivotal match-ups to keep a keen eye on.

Walsh v Leupolz

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.

Bonmati v Cuthbert

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.

Engen v James

While Chelsea have been without key players such as Millie Bright and Sam Kerr for much of this season, Barcelona have also missed important personnel. In the absence of defenders Irene Paredes, Fridolina Rolfo and Mapi Leon, Ingrid Syrstad Engen's versatility has been a standout for Giraldez's side.

Since the Norway international's seamless transition from midfielder to centre-back in November Barcelona are unbeaten, conceding just six goals across the Champions League and Liga F. However, Engen has yet to face the toughest European teams in her new role and Saturday's match-up against Lauren James will present a significant examination of her capabilities.

While James has only scored one Champions League goal in six appearances this season, her attacking prowess cannot be underestimated. She is second in the WSL scoring charts with 13 goals and was named in the Fifpro Women's World XI.

The England international did not feature in Chelsea's win over Aston Villa on Wednesday and Hayes said the 22-year-old will have her fitness assessed again on Friday.

Paralluelo v Ramirez

In a game where converting chances is the most important thing, we can't forget about the two experts in the penalty areas: Salma Paralluelo and Mayra Ramirez.

Paralluelo is the joint-highest scorer in the Spanish league with 17 goals, level with team-mate Caroline Graham Hansen. Only Lyon's Kadidiatou Diani has scored more than her in the Champions League this season.

At the other end of the field will be Ramirez, the exciting signing that Chelsea secured this January. The London club paid 450,000 euros (£384,000), plus up to 50,000 euros (£42,600) in add-ons to Levante.

While the Colombia forward scored her first and only Champions League goal in the quarter-final victory over Ajax, Saturday presents an opportunity for the 25-year-old to shine on Europe's biggest stage.

Graham Hansen v Charles

Along with Cuthbert, Niamh Charles has stepped up in Bright's absence to share captaincy duties at Chelsea. The 24-year-old England international has played all but one of the Champions League games this season and has put in solid displays, with six tackles, seven clearances and an average 83.43% passing accuracy.

Charles' unwavering resolve and awareness pose a formidable challenge to Barcelona's relentless attack, but she will have her hands full against a player of Caroline Graham Hansen's quality. The Norway winger's season so far has been nothing short of spectacular, contributing 26 goals and 25 assists in 29 electrifying matches.

Graham Hansen is currently joint-top of Liga F's scoring charts with 17 goals, alongside Paralluelo, and has also provided 16 assists. Despite missing the last two weeks with a muscle injury, Giraldez has confirmed the 29-year-old will be available to face Chelsea in what promises to be an epic contest.