UCL: ARSENAL DEFEAT CHELSEA TO SECURE SPOT IN WOMEN’S CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SEMIFINALS
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By: Muftau Fatimo
Defending champions Arsenal held off a late surge from Chelsea to advance to the Women’s Champions League semifinals, despite losing 1-0 at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday, progressing 3-2 on aggregate.
Chelsea’s hopes were largely undone by the first-leg result, extending their wait for a maiden European title despite dominating domestically in England over the past decade.
Arsenal, who ended an 18-year wait for an English winner of the Women’s Champions League by stunning Barcelona in last season’s final, showed resilience to stay on track to defend their crown.
The Gunners managed to keep Sonia Bompastor’s side at bay until a frantic finish, during which both teams had several chances to score.
Stina Blackstenius seemed to have sealed the tie for Arsenal when she headed in a goal 10 minutes from time, but it was ruled out after a VAR review for a marginal offside.
Spurred by the reprieve, Chelsea suddenly came alive.
Lauren James forced a strong save from Daphne van Domselaar, and Veerle Buurman’s follow-up struck the post with the goal wide open.
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Moments later Van Domselaar produced an incredible stop to turn Sjoeke Nusken’s header onto the post.
At the other end Beth Mead also struck the woodwork as Arsenal threatened to take advantage of Chelsea’s desperation on the counter-attack.
When the opener finally arrived, four minutes into added time, it was too late for Chelsea.
Nusken connected sweetly to fire in at the near post from Sam Kerr’s cross.
But there was still time for more drama as Bompastor was shown a red card for two bookable offences after a hair pull on Alyssa Thompson by Katie McCabe went unpunished.
Arsenal will face either eight-time winners Lyon or Wolfsburg in the last four.
The Germans lead 1-0 ahead of their second leg in France on Thursday.
On the other side of the draw, Bayern Munich beat Manchester United 5-3 on aggregate and will almost certainly face Barcelona, who hold a 6-2 first-leg lead over Real Madrid, in the semi-finals
AFP
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