Arsenal Survive Chelsea Scare to Reach Women’s Champions League Semi-Finals

Arsenal secured their place in the Women’s Champions League semi-finals with a 3-2 aggregate victory over Chelsea, despite suffering a 1-0 defeat in the second leg at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea, needing to overturn the deficit, began with intensity but struggled to break down Arsenal’s defensive organisation in the first half, failing to register a shot on target. Arsenal slowed the tempo, frustrating the home side and keeping control of the tie.

The second half brought drama as Chelsea pressed forward.

Arsenal substitute Stina Blackstenius thought she had sealed the contest with a header from Smilla Holmberg’s cross in the 80th minute, but VAR ruled her offside.

Chelsea responded with relentless attacks, with Veerle Buurman hitting the post and Sjoeke Nüsken denied by a superb save from goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar, who tipped her header onto the upright.

Beth Mead struck the post for Arsenal in stoppage time before Nüsken finally scored in the 94th minute, giving Chelsea hope of a late turnaround. However, Arsenal held firm through a tense finale.

The match ended in controversy when Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor was sent off after protesting a hair-pulling incident involving Katie McCabe and Alyssa Thompson.

Earlier in the evening, Bayern Munich defeated Manchester United 2-1, sealing a 5-3 aggregate win to reach the semi-finals for the first time since 2021.

Arsenal will now face either Lyon or Wolfsburg, while Bayern await the winner of Barcelona versus Real Madrid, with Barcelona holding a commanding 6-2 lead and Wolfsburg ahead 1-0 going into Thursday’s second legs.