The website dedicated to women's football across the country, at ALL levels of the game

@en

Friday, April 3, 2026

Back to home page

Gunners get job done

Arsenal held firm to reach the UEFA Women’s Champions League semi finals once again despite a 1-0 defeat on the night against Chelsea, securing a 3-2 aggregate victory over their London rivals.

The holders, who led 3-1 from the first leg, produced a disciplined and mature performance at Stamford Bridge to protect their advantage, even as the tie became increasingly frantic in the closing stages.

Chelsea pushed hard for the goals they needed but were denied by some resilient defending and excellent goalkeeping from Daphne van Domselaar. The Dutch keeper made two crucial late saves, first turning away a Lauren James shot before Veerle Buurman struck the follow up against the post. Van Domselaar then pushed a Sjoeke Nusken header onto the woodwork.

Nusken eventually found the net in the fourth minute of stoppage time, sweeping home from close range, but it proved too little, too late for the Blues, who required two goals to force extra time.

In a dramatic finish, Arsenal also had a goal disallowed for offside when Smilla Holmberg set up Stina Blackstenius, while Beth Mead struck the post deep into added time. Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor was sent off after protesting a late incident involving a hair pull on Alyssa Thompson by Katie McCabe.

Chelsea created several opportunities throughout the match, with Alyssa Thompson going closest in the first half and Sam Kerr threatening after the break, but they were unable to convert their pressure into the decisive goals as their frustration in the competition continued for another year.

The result caps an impressive run of form for Renee Slegers’ side, who have won 10 of their last 11 matches across all competitions and remain unbeaten since January. Arsenal will now face Olympique Lyonnais in the semi finals for the second successive year, after they overcame a first leg deficit to run out 4-0 winners on the night, and 4-1 overall.