Last season ended with a fairytale for Arsenal in Europe—can they conjure up more magic this time around?
The reigning European champions advanced to the semi-finals of the Women’s Champions League after triumphing 3-2 on aggregate against Chelsea.
Advertisement
Despite experiencing a late setback at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday, Arsenal had already secured a two-goal lead from the first leg at the Emirates.
The team displayed a solid performance as they defended diligently, seized crucial opportunities, and maintained their composure to move forward.
They have settled comfortably onto the grand stage, and manager Renee Slegers couldn’t contain her joy when asked if Arsenal was crafting more history.
“Being part of this is special. I truly appreciate working with this group every day during this process,” Slegers reflected. “The performances and results are promising, but it’s the daily grind that means the most to me. Everyone shares this sentiment about what we’re achieving right now.
Advertisement
“While it’s important to enjoy our success, we must continue striving for more and reaching for better.”
‘The team invests so much’
Chelsea proved to be strong opponents in both encounters and created several chances at Stamford Bridge.
Alyssa Thompson and Lauren James hit the woodwork in the first leg before Arsenal opened the scoring, and Veerle Buurman mirrored that on Wednesday, with her teammate Sjoeke Nusken finding the net—though it was too late for a comeback.
Throughout the tie, Arsenal maintained a sense of control.
Even when Chelsea gained momentum, Arsenal remained unfazed, defending with tenacity and doing enough to disrupt the flow of the match.
Advertisement
When opportunities arose, Arsenal seized them. They anticipated Chelsea’s response, appearing ready for the frantic late-game moments that unfolded in London.
While Chelsea has often been labeled ‘mentality monsters’ in past seasons, Arsenal has displayed remarkable resilience this time.
This club belongs in the Champions League.
“There’s never comfort when playing a game, but we have garnered experience. I’ve grown as a coach, and the team has learned from last year and the seasons before,” Slegers noted. “The way the team collaborates and invests in the cause, earning their place as Arsenal players every day, alongside their humility, makes me incredibly proud of what they’ve achieved.
Advertisement
“Their hard work has earned them a spot in the semi-finals of the Champions League—a dream for every player.”
‘Suffering for something you love’
Slegers praised her team for their “unbelievable performance” during the second leg, acknowledging the challenge posed by Chelsea’s fightback.
Goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar returned to the starting lineup and made several key saves, including multiple denials of Sam Kerr in the second half.
England defender Lotte Wubben-Moy anchored the defense in Leah Williamson’s absence, and Arsenal stood strong even when fellow center-back Steph Catley had to leave the game due to a calf injury.
Advertisement
Dynamic striker Alessia Russo showcased her creativity with a series of skillful plays, often adapting her style to evade pressure when needed.
Slegers described her squad’s willingness to “suffer” for their aspirations, a mindset that ultimately paid off.
“It’s about enduring for something you love, and the team executed that brilliantly,” she added. “They were ready for a challenging situation and the shifts in momentum.”
“In the first 15 minutes and again towards the end when momentum shifted, they maintained their composure, what we call the ‘controlled middle.’ They stayed engaged no matter the scenario or momentum change.”
Advertisement
“Mentally, we held the upper hand. Naturally, we aimed to minimize their chances; ideally, we wouldn’t let them shoot, but this was a matchup of two fantastic teams.”
Former England captain Steph Houghton remarked that Arsenal excelled in critical moments and deserved to advance based on the overall performance.
Brighton forward Fran Kirby added, “Arsenal allowed Chelsea to have the ball but were comfortable in their defensive setup, working diligently. With the opportunities they created, they could’ve even won the game, so they should be proud of their display.”
“This match revealed a different side of Arsenal, showcasing their defensive capabilities.”
Arsenal will aim to secure their place in the final against the winner of the match between Lyon and Wolfsburg, who are set to meet on Thursday evening. The final will be held on May 23 in Oslo, Norway.
[BBC]
Ben Haines, Ellen White, and Jen Beattie return for another season of the Women’s Football Weekly podcast. New episodes are released every Tuesday on BBC Sounds, along with interviews and additional content from the Women’s Super League and beyond on the Women’s Football Weekly feed