From left, Chelsea's Johanna Rytting Kaneryd, Aggie Beever-Jones and Eve Perisset, celebrate at the end of the Women's Champions League quarterfinal second leg soccer match between Chelsea and Ajax at Stamford Bridge Stadium in London.
Chelsea advanced to the Women's Champions League semi-finals for the second consecutive season after defeating Ajax comfortably on aggregate. Emma Hayes' team, who are seeking the quadruple this season, led 3-0 after the first leg and needed only to do the job at Stamford Bridge. In the 33rd minute, Mayra Ramirez slid the ball past the goalkeeper Regina van Eijk's knees, giving them the early goal they needed. However, Ajax responded after the break when Chasity Grant raced onto a through ball and blasted past goalkeeper Zecira Musovic from close range. Chances for both teams came and went in the first half, with neither team gaining control, until Ajax increased their efforts to create a comeback. But Chelsea remained controlled, doing enough to secure qualification while resting players ahead of this weekend's Women's League Cup final against Arsenal.
From left, Chelsea's Johanna Rytting Kaneryd, Aggie Beever-Jones and Eve Perisset, celebrate at the end of the Women's Champions League quarterfinal second leg soccer match between Chelsea and Ajax at Stamford Bridge Stadium in London.
Ajax's Sherida Spitse, left, fights for the ball with Chelsea's Catarina Macario during the Women's Champions League quarterfinal second leg soccer match between Chelsea and Ajax at Stamford Bridge Stadium in London.
Ajax's Chasity Grant, left, is challenged by Chelsea's Ashley Lawrence during the Women's Champions League quarterfinal second leg soccer match between Chelsea and Ajax at Stamford Bridge Stadium in London.
Ajax's Chasity Grant, left, is challenged by Chelsea's Ashley Lawrence during the Women's Champions League quarterfinal second leg soccer match between Chelsea and Ajax at Stamford Bridge Stadium in London.
Chelsea's Catarina Macario controls a ball during the Women's Champions League quarterfinal second leg soccer match between Chelsea and Ajax at Stamford Bridge Stadium in London.
Ajax's Chasity Grant, center, celebrates after scores her side's first goal during the Women's Champions League quarterfinal second leg soccer match between Chelsea and Ajax at Stamford Bridge Stadium in London.
Ajax's Chasity Grant, third right, celebrates after scores her side's first goal during the Women's Champions League quarterfinal second leg soccer match between Chelsea and Ajax at Stamford Bridge Stadium in London.
Ajax's Romee Leuchter, left, is challenged by Chelsea's Jess Carter during the Women's Champions League quarterfinal second leg soccer match between Chelsea and Ajax at Stamford Bridge Stadium in London.
Chelsea's Mayra Ramirez, second right, celebrates with teammates after scores her side's first goal during the Women's Champions League quarterfinal second leg soccer match between Chelsea and Ajax at Stamford Bridge Stadium in London.
Chelsea's Erin Cuthbert, center, fights for a ball with Ajax's Rosa van Gool, right, during the Women's Champions League quarterfinal second leg soccer match between Chelsea and Ajax at Stamford Bridge Stadium in London.