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Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmati believes Chelsea employed underhanded tactics in their Champions League clash.
Barcelona star Aitana Bonmati didn't mince words as she criticised Chelsea for their "dirty" tactics during the Blues' 1-0 victory in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final clash.
Erin Cuthbert's goal secured a historic win for Chelsea, marking the first time in five years that Barcelona had been defeated at home.
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History! Chelsea become first team to beat Barcelona at home in 5 years
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What Bonmati said
Expressing her frustration, Bonmati questioned the VAR decision that overturned a penalty awarded to Barcelona for an apparent handball by Kadeisha Buchanan.
Bonmati stated, per Mundo Deportivo, "I have not understood why a penalty was called and why Mariona was preparing and then they began to review it. In the end, this has to be done the other way around."
She acknowledged the offside by Salma but expressed her disappointment over the VAR decision. Furthermore, Bonmati accused Chelsea of employing "dirty" tactics, stating, "We had talked about Chelsea playing like this, which for me is playing dirty. We have warned the referee, but it is not up to us if they allow it. We have to know how to play with it."
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Chelsea's Sensational Victory
Despite Barcelona's frustrations, Chelsea pulled off a sensational result, with their resolute performance earning them a vital 1-0 victory away from home. Prior to this match, no team had managed to defeat Barcelona on their home turf for five years.
With the tie finely poised, Chelsea and Barcelona are set to renew hostilities in the second leg, where Chelsea will aim to maintain their lead and secure an astonishing upset to advance to the Champions League final.
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