EMMA Hayes said Chelsea “expect” to be playing games like the Champions League semi-final after they booked their last four spot with a 1-1 draw against Ajax at Stamford Bridge to go through 4-1 on aggregate.
Mayra Ramirez beat goalkeeper Regina van Eijk in the 33rd minute before Chasity Grant finished past Zecira Musovic after the break.
Chelsea are still on for the quadruple in Hayes’ last season in charge before she takes over the USA international team.
The Blues are top of the Women’s Super League, level on points with Manchester City, and next up in their historic crusade is the League Cup final against Arsenal on Sunday and then the semi-final of the FA Cup against Manchester United.
“We expect to be here, I should say that,” said Hayes. “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 [other] year.
“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 more changes 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.”
Hayes made seven changes to the starting XI against Ajax with their passage virtually assured.
Chelsea are chasing a fifth successive league title.
Hayes said: “We love winning. I always say this to the players. No one cares who scores. Everyone has a role to play.
“We have to count on each other. Some will play more than others throughout the season. I trust the squad, I trust the players. We’re in the place we want top be.
“There were some that absolutely needed to recover, so I’m really happy with the whole squad.”
