LONDON, April 1: Arsenal secured their place in the Women's Champions League semi-finals after a thrilling 3-2 aggregate win over Chelsea. Despite losing 1-0 at Stamford Bridge in Wednesday's second leg, Arsenal advanced thanks to their earlier 4-1 first-leg victory.
Chelsea started strongly under manager Sonia Bompastor, who was sent off late in the game. However, Arsenal regained control, stifling Chelsea's offense in the first half. The second half saw intense action as Chelsea pushed forward, but Arsenal held firm.
In the 80th minute, Arsenal substitute Stina Blackstenius scored from a cross by Smilla Holmberg, only for the goal to be disallowed due to an offside call confirmed by VAR. Late in the game, Chelsea defender Veerle Buurman hit the post, and midfielder Sjoeke Nuesken was denied by a brilliant save from Arsenal keeper Daphne van Domselaar.
Arsenal's Beth Mead also missed a chance in stoppage time, but Nuesken eventually netted in the 94th minute, securing the win. The match ended with tension as Katie McCabe escaped punishment for pulling Alyssa Thompson's hair, leading to Bompastor's dismissal.
Meanwhile, Bayern Munich qualified for the semi-finals for the first time since 2021, defeating Manchester United 5-3 on aggregate. Arsenal will face either Olympique Lyonnais or VfL Wolfsburg in the next round, while Bayern Munich takes on Barcelona or Real Madrid.