Arsenal hold off Chelsea to reach Champions League last four

UEFA Women’s Champions League

Chelsea (2) 1 – 0 (3) Arsenal FT

Arsenal are looking to win their third Women’s Champions League title [Getty Images]

Holders Arsenal held on to secure an aggregate victory over rivals Chelsea and reach the Women’s Champions League semi-finals – despite conceding a late goal to Sjoeke Nusken.

Renee Slegers’ side – 3-1 up from the first leg of their quarter-final – produced a mature display at Stamford Bridge even though they ended up losing on the night.

The visitors had a goal disallowed late on as Smilla Holmberg was offside before teeing up Stina Blackstenius to head in from close range, and Beth Mead struck the post in stoppage time.

That came during a frantic period in which Gunners keeper Daphne van Domselaar made two impressive late saves at the other end – the first to beat away a Lauren James shot before Veerle Buurman turned the follow-up against the post, and then to push a Nusken header on to the same upright.

Nusken eventually scored in the fourth minute of stoppage time to go but Chelsea – who needed to score twice to bring the teams level – could not find the victory they needed.

And in a frantic finish, Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor was sent off.

After their first-leg win at Emirates Stadium last week, the European champions were in a strong position and they played bravely throughout the tie.

Knowing Chelsea needed to score, Arsenal defended well and remained composed as the hosts attempted to claw back the deficit on a frustrating evening in London.

The Blues had chances before the late flurry – USA international Alyssa Thompson had the best of them in the first half, while Sam Kerr came close after the break – but they failed to capitalise.

It caps a brilliant few weeks for the Gunners, who have won 10 of their past 11 matches in all competitions and are unbeaten since January.

They face a semi-final against Lyon or Wolfsburg, who play their second leg on Thursday, with the German side leading 1-0 on aggregate.

Arsenal analysis: Gunners survive chaotic end

Having earned a two-goal lead at Emirates Stadium last week, Arsenal knew the onus was on Chelsea to come at them in the second leg – and were happy to let them try.

They expected an early storm and Chelsea did threaten for the opening 15 minutes, but it was not enough to rattle Arsenal, who looked composed and confident throughout the first half.

The defending champions kept their cool and took the sting out of the the first half, frustrating Chelsea by slowing down the tempo and controlling midfield.

Slegers would have been delighted at half-time as Chelsea’s players trudged down the tunnel having not really got a foothold in the game, despite creating a few chances.

England defender Lotte Wubben-Moy was a rock at the back, taming Chelsea’s talented front three for large spells, while Scotland midfielder Erin Cuthbert was marked out of the game.

But as the clock ticked on, Chelsea’s desperation grew and Arsenal were under heavy pressure to maintain their clean sheet.

Kerr forced a sublime save from goalkeeper Van Domselaar, before Nusken eventually got one goal back deep in stoppage time.

Chaos followed as Chelsea boss Bompastor could not contain her frustration, sent off after receiving a second yellow card.

Arsenal, though, delivered just about the perfect gameplan and will go into the semi-finals full of confidence.

Their domestic form has lifted them to third in the Women’s Super League with two games in hand – putting them in a strong position to qualify for next season’s Women’s Champions League.

However, their focus is on defending their crown this year – and their semi-final opponents will not enjoy facing them.

Chelsea analysis: Rivals deal ultimate blow

With the WSL title beyond their reach, Chelsea’s season has quickly unravelled, and this was a crushing blow dealt by their London rivals.

Pressure has built around manager Bompastor and the club, and this latest setback will only increase that external noise.

However, there was no shame in Chelsea’s Champions League exit. They faced one of Europe’s most talented squads and struggled with an injury-depleted squad.

Bompastor’s side attempted everything at Stamford Bridge – hitting the post through Buurman late on in a frantic ending, after Kerr had tested goalkeeper Van Domselaar on several occasions.

The French manager lived every emotion and it got the better of her in stoppage time as another complaint to the officials earned her a red card and she stormed down the tunnel, knowing the tie was over.

Bompastor has consistently called for more squad depth – and they will need a summer rebuild.

With Arsenal having developed into one of Europe’s leading clubs, and Manchester City looking set to clinch the WSL title, Chelsea know they cannot afford to drop behind.

What’s next for both teams?

Chelsea take on Tottenham in the quarter-finals of the Women’s FA Cup on Monday, 6 April (13:30 BST) and return to WSL action against Everton on Sunday, 26 April (12:00 BST).

Arsenal host Brighton in their FA Cup match on Sunday, 5 April (13:00 BST), before travelling to Aston Villa in the WSL on Sunday, 26 April (14:15 BST).

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