Chelsea and Emma Hayes stand 11 games from era-defining greatness

As Chelsea returned to the Women’s Champions League semi-finals, the celebrations were cut rather short. “We expect to be here,” a weary Emma Hayes concluded. Hayes admitted she was tired, and with another game to now think about, another plan to formulate, it was no surprise how quickly Chelsea needed to move on after this comfortable aggregate win over Ajax.

For Hayes, the prospect of a 41st game in Chelsea’s season remains alive and stretches ahead, the end a distance away but arriving fast. After 12 years in charge, Hayes and Chelsea have a maximum of 11 games remaining in her final season. Chelsea could yet win four trophies in a space of 55 days, starting with Sunday’s League Cup final.

While progress to the Champions League semi-finals cannot be taken for granted, the rather flat mood at Stamford Bridge reflected the sense that there was never any real jeopardy in Chelsea’s night, owing to their excellent 3-0 win in Amsterdam last week. If their progress was not in danger, Mayra Ramirez’s smart finish before the break removed any doubt and ensured Chelsea returned to the semi-finals even when Ajax pulled one back later on. It could set up a rematch against Barcelona, and Stamford Bridge will be ready then for the arrival of the European champions, on what will be Hayes’s final fixture at Chelsea’s main stadium.