UWCL: Arsenal Beat Chelsea 3-1 in Women's Champions League

Gunners take commanding lead in London derby

Arsenal Women's team beat Chelsea 3-1 in the Women's Champions League quarter-final first leg. Stina Blackstenius, Chloe Kelly, and Alessia Russo scored for the Gunners.

Arsenal edge Chelsea 3-1 in Women's Champions League quarter-final first leg. The Gunners will look to secure their spot in the semi-finals next week...

Arsenal Women's team secured a 3-1 win over Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium in the first leg of their Women's Champions League quarter-final. Stina Blackstenius, Chloe Kelly, and Alessia Russo scored for Arsenal, while Lauren James netted a stunning goal for Chelsea.

The Gunners dominated the match, with Blackstenius heading in from Katie McCabe's free kick in the 22nd minute. Kelly followed up with a superb long-range strike, and Russo sealed the win with her eighth goal in the competition. Chelsea had chances early on, hitting the post twice, but Arsenal's defense held strong.

The Blues will need to bounce back next week at Stamford Bridge to stay in the competition. 

Chelsea's quest for European glory continues! Under Emma Hayes, the Blues dominated domestically, but the Women's Champions League title remained elusive. Now, with Sonia Bompastor at the helm, they're determined to claim the crown.

In Tuesday's tie, Chelsea faced a tough start, hitting the woodwork twice early on. Despite this, Bompastor's team showed resilience, but ultimately fell short, losing 3-1 to Arsenal.

Chelsea had a shaky start, with Alyssa Thompson's cross causing chaos in the Arsenal box. The ball looped off Laia Codina's boot and spun over Anneke Borbe's head, rebounding off the far post. Two minutes later, Lauren James hit the same post with a shot, but Arsenal's defense managed to clear.

The Gunners capitalized on their chances, though. In the 22nd minute, Stina Blackstenius headed home her first Champions League goal of the season from Katie McCabe's free-kick, giving Arsenal the lead.

Arsenal doubled their lead through Chloe Kelly's stunning strike. Beth Mead's crossfield pass set her up, and Kelly's 20-yard drive left Hannah Hampton, another England international, no chance.

Kelly's goal was a beauty, showcasing her class. The Gunners were on fire, and Chelsea needed a response. 

Chelsea's hopes were dashed when Veerle Buurman's goal was disallowed for a shove on Laia Codina, a decision upheld by VAR, sparking frustration from coach Sonia Bompastor. However, Lauren James sparked new life into the Blues with a stunning left-footed curling lob from 25 yards out in the 66th minute, giving Chelsea a glimmer of hope.

The goal was a beauty, with James showcasing her skill and precision. 

🔴 A first-leg win for the Gunners in the QFs ✅#UWCL pic.twitter.com/u4H5pmqFHw

— UEFA Women’s Champions League (@UWCL) March 24, 2026

 

Alessia Russo sealed the win for Arsenal with a stunning volley. Stina Blackstenius played her in, and Russo flicked the ball up, volleying it past Hannah Hampton 14 minutes from time.

Chelsea's frustration mounted in stoppage time as Kadeisha Buchanan's goal was ruled out for a foul on Anneke Borbe. The Blues will need to regroup for the second leg at Stamford Bridge. 

The rematch between Arsenal Women and Chelsea Women is set for April 2 at Stamford Bridge, with kickoff at 8pm. The winner will face the winner of Wolfsburg and Lyon, who currently lead 1-0 after the first leg. This is a crucial tie for both teams, with Arsenal aiming to defend their title and Chelsea seeking their first Women's Champions League crown.