Emma Hayes believes that Chelsea should “expect to be” in the Champions League semi-finals, as they secured their spot in the last four following a 1-1 draw with Ajax at Stamford Bridge.
Mayra Ramirez broke the deadlock for Chelsea 33 minutes into her Champions League debut in the first half, giving her side the lead on the night.
Despite Chasity Grant’s second-half goal for the visitors, Chelsea secured their spot in the semi-final with a comfortable 4-1 aggregate victory.
It is the fifth time in seven seasons that Chelsea has qualified for the semi-finals. They will face either Barcelona and Norwegian side Brann in the next round.
Hayes said, as quoted by Reuters: “If you look at our record in the Champions League, even in the last five years, it was only once we didn’t qualify from the group. We’ve made the latter stages every year.
“We expect to be here, I should say that. I don’t make any excuses. We should be at this level, and we should be at the semi-finals. Of course we have a little bit more depth to be able to do things like make six changes tonight than we’ve ever had.
“But we haven’t won anything. We’re in the place we want to be. I don’t know who the opponent will be, but we’re ready.”
