Arsenal Women have been knocked out of the Women’s Champions League 5-4 on aggregate after losing to VfL Wolfsburg in a thrilling semi-final at Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal fall short in the Champions League
The Gunners were hoping to advance to the Women’s Champions League final for the first time since 2007, but despite a valiant effort, their dreams were shattered by German giants Wolfsburg. The German squad will play against FC Barcelona in the final.
Wolfsburg advances to the final
Wolfsburg, the tournament’s two-time winner, proved their experience and perseverance by coming from behind to win in extra time, sealing their place in the final.
After taking the lead in the first half through Stina Blacksentenius, Arsenal was pegged back by Jill Roord’s effort before half-time and Alexandra Popp’s header in the second half. Jen Beattie’s header with 15 minutes remaining forced extra time, but in the 114th minute, Lotte Wubben-Moy’s terrible mistake gifted possession to Wolfsburg, and substitute Pauline Bremer scored the winner from close range.
Arsenal played with passion, but injuries and a lack of squad depth cost them the chance to advance. Arsenal’s chances of winning silverware this season are now minimal, as they sit fourth in the Women’s Super League rankings and have already been eliminated from the FA Cup.
The tie was finely poised following a 2-2 draw in Germany, and the record crowd of over 60.000 witnessed a game of high intensity, with both sides producing plenty of chances. The Gunners will rue their lost chances, especially when VAR ruled off Blackstenius’ close-range shot during the second half.
Despite the result, Arsenal may be proud of their tournament performances this season. They showed that they can compete with the best in Europe, and they will undoubtedly return to challenge for the trophy next season.
