The Chelsea defence has been watertight this season, and a big part of that has been the blossoming partnership between Millie Bright and Nathalie Bjorn at centre-back.

The duo will go head-to-head against Barcelona on Sunday, and Bright thinks her team-mate often goes unnoticed when the plaudits are being handed out.

'She's been incredible for us,' said the skipper. She's a vital part of the changing room as well. She keeps everyone together and sometimes that goes unnoticed a little bit as well.

'I think she had a fantastic season so far. So easy to play alongside. She just gives everyone that confidence, but also she's such a team player, and as long as the team perform well and win, that's all she cares about.

Focus then inevitably turned to Sunday's crucial game at the Johan Cruyff Arena.

Chelsea will face Barcelona for the third consecutive season at the semi-final stage, and all involved are hoping for a different outcome this time around.

'It's the same as every game to be honest,' Bright continued. 'I think everyone knows we're extremely competitive. We want to win every single game, but these are the special occasions. It's a Champions League, semi-final. Like Sonia said, playing one of the best, if not the best team.

'As a player, these are the games you relish, these are the games you thrive in and you want to play these opponents. I think it's one that we're absolutely ready for. Like I said, the girls are raring to go.

'You definitely have to control emotions, though. There's a game to be played, there's a game plan to execute, and I think it's about staying calm in these situations and knowing what we want to achieve and how we're going to achieve it.

'I think it's super important to remain on the task ahead. And yes, it's a massive game, but we have to stay focused on what we need to do and how we approach this game. Like I said, it's one that we're definitely ready for.

'I'm very aware of the past results. Like I said, there's a few broken hearts in there, but it's part of football and it's certainly one that we're already motivated for anyway.'

For the last two seasons in a row, Lucy Bronze and Keira Walsh won the Champions League with Barcelona.

Now, that pair are committed to Chelsea, and Bright thinks that their experience could be crucial going into this two-legged tie.

'They're two massive players,' said the skipper. 'Everyone sees the influence that they've had on our team. They settled in like they've been here for many seasons. It's really nice to have them on board.

'I'm definitely happy that they're Chelsea players now and they're ready to fight for us and bring all that experience and knowledge that they have.

'But as a squad, I think we're extremely ready for this game.'

Don't miss your chance to be at Stamford Bridge for the second leg of our Champions League semi-final against Barcelona on Sunday 27 April. Tickets are still available here.