It was her side’s most character building but also ugliest performance, said Hayes, and it had left her relieved and exhausted.

However, an intervention from VAR saw Chelsea awarded a penalty in stoppage time of extra time and Maren Mjelde remained composed to send the tie to penalties.

There, Ann-Katrin Berger saved two spot kicks – from Wendie Renard and Lindsey Horan – as Hayes’ side set up a last-four showdown with Barcelona.

And the Chelsea manager said post-match that she didn’t watch the penalties until she was forced to do so by Reiten, adding that the performance showed both great character and also Chelsea’s ability to win ugly.

“We have never won a penalty shootout as a team so can you imagine what was going on in my mind?

“I was forced into every substitution tonight – they were injuries in every case. I had to be so conscious even in extra time that the penalty takers were on the pitch.

“I didn’t see a goal in us, to be honest. When I see Lyon’s subs coming on, world-class talent one after another, we managed the best we could given the circumstances. It was the most character-building performance, even if it was the ugliest.

“I’m just relieved it’s over and we’re through. Our depth wasn’t big tonight. Players have had to come into the game and play multiple roles.

“For Maren to do what she did, last kick of the game, she’s a Chelsea legend. She deserves her night as much as Ann-Katrin does because we know what she’s like from penalties.

“I knew if we got to that situation momentum would turn. Drama! I’m relieved and exhausted.”

The Chelsea manager also reserved praise for goalkeeper Berger, noting her excellence in high-pressure moments.

“She’s someone who really thrives in big moments,” said Hayes of Berger.

“She’s probably the best penalty-saving goalkeeper I’ve worked with. Every day everyone hates going up against her.”

Chelsea will now face Barcelona over two legs in late April. Arsenal and Wolfsburg are on the other side of the draw.