Chelsea were held to a 1-1 draw by Ajax in their Women’s Champions League quarter-final, but their work was already done from the first leg as they advance into the semi-finals.
Mayra Ramirez’s 34th-minute goal gave the Blues an unassailable aggregate advantage at Stamford Bridge, while Chasity Grant gave the Dutch side a glimmer of hope after 65 minutes.
However, Emma Hayes’ Chelsea were able to cruise into the last four in second gear, with a shade of complacency about them, as they were given a good test by Suzanne Bakker’s side.
This was a game of chances for both sides, as Romee Leuchter went closest for the visitors, while Zecira Musovic had her heart in her mouth after her clearance clattered off the pressing Tiny Hoekstra and kissed the foot of the post in an even first 45 minutes.
But Chelsea’s experience told, as Ramirez worked a yard of space to slot home beyond Regina van Eijk after being found by Guro Reiten.
The visitors responded with a second-half suckerpunch as Grant tucked the ball underneath Musovic following Rosa van Gool’s through pass to set up an interesting last 25 minutes in west London, and the Dutch side had their tails up as they sought the unlikeliest of comebacks.
But Chelsea were wily in their play, seeing out the tie to sail into the semis.
