Media Kampung – 02 April 2026 | Arsenal Women secured a place in the UEFA Women’s Champions League semifinal after a narrow 1-0 victory over Chelsea FC Women at Stamford Bridge on 2 April 2026.
The match was the second leg of the quarter‑final, with Arsenal holding a 3‑1 advantage from the first leg at the Emirates Stadium.
A solitary goal from Chelsea’s Lauren James in the 62nd minute reduced the deficit, but Arsenal’s defense kept a clean sheet, confirming a 3‑2 aggregate win.
Arsenal’s Stina Blackstenius opened the scoring in the first leg with a free‑kick header, while teammates Katie McCabe and Alessia Russo added goals to secure the 3‑1 result that set the tone for the tie.
Chelsea relied on experienced goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, while Arsenal fielded a 4‑3‑3 with Lotte Wubben‑Moy anchoring the back line.
No players were listed as injured or suspended for either side, allowing both coaches to select their preferred starting XI.
The match was broadcast live on multiple platforms, including BBC, beIN Sports MENA, SuperSport and FuboTV, with streaming options available via VPN services such as ExpressVPN for viewers in restricted regions.
Kick‑off was scheduled for 15:00 EST / 20:00 GMT, and the game attracted a capacity crowd at Stamford Bridge, reflecting growing interest in women’s club football in England.
Arsenal’s Alessia Russo, who scored in the first leg, entered the game as a substitute in the 84th minute, adding fresh attacking impetus despite limited time.
Chelsea’s Lauren James, who had already scored a long‑range strike in the first leg, was the sole goal scorer in the return, highlighting her importance to the Blues’ offensive play.
The aggregate result marks Arsenal’s first appearance in the Women’s Champions League semifinal since the competition’s rebranding, while Chelsea will aim to rebound in the domestic league.
The victory positions Arsenal for a semifinal clash with either Barcelona or Bayern Munich, depending on the outcome of the other quarter‑final tie, and underscores the club’s rising stature in European women’s football.
The match also demonstrated the increasing commercial reach of the women’s game, with viewership figures expected to surpass previous records, according to league officials.
Arsenal will now focus on preparation for the next round, while Chelsea’s manager Sonia Bompastor praised her squad’s resilience and hinted at squad reinforcements ahead of the upcoming season.
Artikel ini dipublikasikan oleh Media Kampung.
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