Chelsea to face Ajax in Women's Champions League quarter-finals

Chelsea Women have been drawn to face Ajax Women in the quarter-finals of the Women's Champions League, while defending champions Barcelona Women will take on Brann Women.

Emma Hayes's side cruised through to the knockout stages with a total of 14 points from a possible 18 in Group D, fending off BK Hacken, Real Madrid and Paris FC to top the standings.

The Blues - whose best result in Europe remains their runners-up finish in the 2020-21 season - have been rewarded with a tie against Vrouwen Eredivisie champions Ajax, who placed second in Group C on goal difference behind Paris Saint-Germain Women.

The first leg of that tie will take place on March 19/20 in the Netherlands, before Chelsea welcome their Dutch foes to Stamford Bridge for the second encounter one week later.

Should Hayes's side prevail, they could set up a tantalising semi-final with holders Barcelona, who won five and drew one of their six matches in Group A and will pit their wits against Norwegian outfit Brann, the Group B runners-up.

Meanwhile, eight-time winners Lyon Women will battle Portuguese powerhouses Benfica, with the winner of that tie going on to face either PSG or Hacken in the last eight.

The semi-finals of the Women's Champions League take place from April 20 to April 28, before Athletic Bilbao's San Mames Stadium hosts the final on May 25.

WOMEN'S CHAMPIONS LEAGUE QUARTER-FINAL DRAW IN FULL:

Ajax vs. Chelsea Brann vs. Barcelona Benfica vs. Lyon BK Hacken vs. Paris Saint-Germain