The biggest game of our careers is probably going to be played by us. “
The Blues stunned Barcelona last week, becoming the first team in five years to beat the Catalans on home soil in a competitive game with a 1-0 win thanks to Erin Cuthbert’s first-half strike.
“We know it’s a fantastic opponent, we know the storm that’s about to come and we have a lot of respect for them,” Bright told BBC Sport.
“It’s still half-time. We all know that Barca were probably not at their best, despite the fantastic results and excellent performances from the Spanish girls. “
This is as significant as it gets for her club in manager Emma Hayes’ final season, despite Bright leading England to the World Cup final last year, 12 months after helping the Lionesses win Euro 2022.
Barcelona, the biggest in Europe, has won four of its previous five women’s Champions League championship games with a double victory. Alexia Putellas and Aitana Bonmati, both of whom have won the last three Ballon d’Ors, are included in their squad.
They will “absolutely ramp it up,” they promise. We have to make sure we’re on our A-game otherwise that result means nothing if we don’t get the job done on Saturday,” added Bright.
We are in a fantastic position, and staying on is what we believe in. We can’t afford to slam a team because they will punish you or let us down. “
‘I love being the underdog’
Last week’s loss was Barcelona’s first at home since February 2019 in Spain last week and it showed Chelsea’s progression in Europe.
They were thrashed 4-0 by Barca in their only final appearance in 2021, before a narrow defeat at Stamford Bridge in the semi-finals last season ultimately proved costly in a 2-1 aggregate defeat.
Pressure has increased to win the Women’s Super League and Women’s Champions League titles as Hayes prepares to step down as manager of the US women’s national team this summer and Chelsea has failed to win either of the two domestic cups.
With more than 34,000 tickets already sold, Chelsea will need to secure their spot in a European showpiece, but Bright is not alarmed by Barcelona’s standing as the favorites.
We know our place and our role, she said, and we are undoubtedly the underdogs in this draw.
“But as Emma [Hayes] always says, any team can be beaten. You’ve already done that, in your opinion.
Everyone, I’m sure, thought Emma had delivered an absolute masterclass with [the first leg]. The players were given credit for backing that gameplan, and it turned out well. “
Bright added: “We will give everything and it’s extra motivation knowing that this is Emma’s last season.
“We need every single fan there. We require a fully rocking, packed stadium. The fans have a tremendous influence on the game. We felt it when we went to Barcelona. “
‘This season has been one of most chaotic’
Bright missed five months with a knee problem, but she made a five-game appearance with the squad last week, claiming that she is “fully fit” for the second leg.
“That was my target – to be selected for that game,” said Bright. Everyone there was essential, I knew it was going to be a huge game for us.
“From a leadership side, it’s hard to contribute when you’re not physically there. I was only pleased to return.
“It’s been a very difficult season for me personally, but I’m happy to be back for the season’s end. “
Bright, who took over the Chelsea armband this summer, acknowledges that the club has had a difficult season both professionally and personally while sidelined.
This season, I feel like I’ve been a little bit of a mother. I’m a people person and I take care of the ones around me, whether that’s staff or players. I’ve felt an extra need to do that this year,” said Bright.
“One of the most chaotic seasons has been this. We’ve had players injured, new signings coming in and the announcement of Emma [Hayes] leaving. It feels like there’s been so much crammed into one season.