Gunners advance 3-2 on aggregate despite 1-0 second-leg loss; Bompastor sent off as late drama includes disallowed goal, hit woodwork, and 94th-minute strike
LONDON – Reigning champions Arsenal secured their place in the Women’s Champions League semi-finals with a 3-2 aggregate victory over Chelsea, despite falling to a 1-0 defeat in Wednesday’s quarter-final second leg at Stamford Bridge.
Knowing they needed to overturn the deficit, Chelsea – who later saw manager Sonia Bompastor sent off in the dying moments – stormed out of the blocks at a furious pace. However, Arsenal quickly disrupted their rhythm, and the home side failed to register a single shot on target in the first half as the visitors methodically slowed play at every dead-ball opportunity.
Arsenal grew into the game after the break, but all the drama was reserved for the closing stages as Chelsea threw everyone forward in a desperate bid to rescue the tie.
In the 80th minute, Arsenal substitute Stina Blackstenius headed home from a cross by her Swedish compatriot Smilla Holmberg, but the goal was disallowed following a VAR review that ruled the striker narrowly offside in the build-up.
Chelsea surged back on the attack. Defender Veerle Buurman rattled the post with a late shot, and midfielder Sjoeke Nuesken was denied by a brilliant save from Arsenal keeper Daphne van Domselaar, who tipped her header onto the inside of the far post before the ball bounced clear.
Arsenal’s Beth Mead then smacked a stoppage-time shot off the far post. But Nuesken finally found the net in the 94th minute, stealing in ahead of defender Lotte Wubben-Moy to sweep home a first-time strike, setting up a nerve-jangling finale.
As the match reached its climax, Arsenal’s Katie McCabe was not penalized for pulling Alyssa Thompson’s hair during a counter-attack. The incident sparked an angry outburst from the Chelsea bench, leading to Bompastor receiving two yellow cards for her protests and being sent from the dugout.
Bayern Munich Edge Past Manchester United
In Wednesday’s early quarter-final, Bayern Munich scored twice late on to secure a 2-1 victory on the night and a 5-3 aggregate win over Manchester United, booking their first semi-final berth since 2021.
United had levelled the tie at 3-3 when Melvine Malard scored in the 11th minute, and the match appeared headed for extra time. But Glodis Viggosdottir headed Bayern back in front in the 81st minute, and Linda Dallmann sealed the win by firing home three minutes later.
Semi-Final Matchups
Arsenal will face either Olympique Lyonnais or VfL Wolfsburg in the semi-finals. Bayern Munich are set to take on Barcelona or Real Madrid, with Barcelona holding a commanding 6-2 aggregate lead and Wolfsburg nursing a slim 1-0 advantage heading into Thursday’s second legs.
