Chelsea reached the semi-finals of the Women's Champions League on Wednesday despite a 1-1 draw at home to Ajax, while Lyon also progressed after brushing aside Benfica in France.

Chelsea and Lyon Advance to Women's Champions League Semis

Mayra Ramirez put Chelsea into a first-half lead on her European club debut before Chasity Grant equalized for Ajax in the second half. Chelsea prevailed 4-1 on aggregate following a 3-0 win in the first leg in Amsterdam.

Chelsea's Performance

"Ajax did really well, they came out as we expected them to," said Chelsea midfielder Erin Cuthbert. "Small margins in football, we could have put a little bit more away, give ourselves a bit more breathing room, but the job was really done in the first leg."

Lyon's Dominance

Earlier, braces from Delphine Cascarino and Kadidiatou Diani gave eight-time titleholders Lyon a 4-1 victory at the Groupama Stadium to claim the tie 6-2 on aggregate.

Lyon's Coach on the Victory

"There was a lot to be pleased about," Lyon coach Sonia Bompastor told the club's channel, OLPLAY. "The comeback at half-time was beautiful and hurt the Portuguese mentally, but we had to be more clinical in the first half."

Analysis and Recap

Lyon created several good early chances but failed to find a way past Lena Pauels in the Benfica goal until the 43rd minute. Cascarino gave Lyon a two-goal buffer on aggregate when Eugenie Le Sommer chased down an underhit backpass, won her challenge with Pauels, and then had the presence of mind to lay the ball back to the French international, who duly finished with a delightful chip over the stranded 'keeper and two retreating defenders.

Conclusion

Lyon's victory and Chelsea's advancement highlight the competitive nature of the Women's Champions League and set the stage for exciting semi-final matchups.