Man Utd Women 2-1 Chelsea Women
The sheer scale of the effort required to win a domestic treble was clear for all to see at the weekend, as Chelsea were beaten 2-1 by Manchester United in their FA Cup semi-final clash.
But add top-flight European matches to the mix and it's no wonder the overwhelming emotion was tiredness as the Blues' players collapsed at the Leigh Sports Village, while United celebrated their first victory in all competitions over the club.
The quadruple and treble have now evaporated, after Chelsea were beaten two weeks ago by Arsenal in the League Cup final. Only the Women's Super League and Champions League remain on the cards.
Watching from the stands, and making copious notes, was Barcelona Women's coach Jonatan Giraldez who, like Chelsea's Emma Hayes, is leaving his job at the end of the season. He may have been encouraged to see the players' exhaustion at the end of a match which could have gone to extra time had ref Kirsty Dowle had the benefit of VAR to review a clear handball and award the Blues a penalty.
But he'll also be wary of the unrelenting barrage of attacks from Chelsea in the dying minutes as the players chased a late equaliser.
Lauren James had pulled a goal back at the end of the first half, after United had looked in command with goals from Lucia Garcia and Rachel Williams (who briefly played for Chelsea a decade ago).
But despite being chanted to the final whistle by noisy chief cheerleader Basil Goode and a strong away support group, the Blues just couldn't find a way past United keeper Mary Earps.
Big test against Barcelona to come
Blues fans now worry that the combined challenge of WSL and Champions League could yet leave Hayes trophyless as her Chelsea era draws to a close.
After midweek domestic action against Aston Villa at Kingsmeadow, the Blues fly to Spain for the first game of their two-leg semi against Barcelona on Saturday lunchtime, followed by the return tie at Stamford Bridge on 27 April. Tickets are still available for the second leg.
Barca are formidable opponents, and believe they can edge it over two games. But Hayes remains upbeat, and feels that the use of VAR in the Women's Champions League could be important.
She is convinced that the lack of replay scrutiny in the FA Cup semi against United cost the Blues one, and possibly two, penalties. "I just can't see how the officials can't give those," said an exasperated Hayes at the end. "We have to have technology."
Nevertheless, it was a mix of fatigue and wastefulness that ultimately led to defeat in the cup, with 42 attacks yielding just one goal.
Men's team in FA Cup action
While Chelsea Women are in Barcelona this weekend, Chelsea's men have their own Wembley date on Saturday, as they face Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-final.
City may have edged ahead in the tight Premier League race after unexpected stumbles at home by rivals Liverpool and Arsenal, and will be favourites to beat the Blues. But Wembley is Wembley, and stranger things have happened!
The views expressed in this blog are those of the author and unless specifically stated are not necessarily those of Hammersmith & Fulham Council.
