Arsenal Advance to Women's CL Semis Over Chelsea
Arsenal advanced to the semifinals of the Women's Champions League on Wednesday, defeating Chelsea 3-2 on aggregate despite a 1-0 loss in the second leg at Stamford Bridge. The match ended in controversy as Arsenal's Katie McCabe avoided punishment for pulling the hair of Chelsea's Alyssa Thompson in stoppage time, prompting manager Sonia Bompastor to receive two yellow cards and a red card for protesting the decision.
Chelsea, trailing 3-1 from the first leg at the Emirates Stadium, dominated possession in the return fixture but struggled to convert chances. Arsenal goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar made several key saves, including denying Lauren James and Sjoeke Nusken early in the second half. Veerle Buurman hit the post from a rebound, and Nusken's header was tipped onto the woodwork by van Domselaar. Arsenal nearly extended their lead when Stina Blackstenius had a goal disallowed for offside following a VAR review in the 80th minute. Beth Mead also struck the post on a counterattack as Chelsea pushed forward desperately.
The breakthrough came in the fourth minute of stoppage time when Nusken volleyed in a cross from Sam Kerr at the near post, reducing the deficit to one goal...