Arsenal took control of their Women’s Champions League quarter-final against Chelsea with a 3-1 first-leg win at the Emirates.
Current European title holders, the Gunners have had a near-perfect record in north London this season, losing just one of 21 games at the ground under manager Lennie Sleggers.
They were in good shape heading into the match. The form was in their favor as they were unbeaten in seven games in all competitions and had maintained that form since January’s 2-0 win against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea dominated the first 15 minutes, with Alyssa Thompson and Lauren James hitting the post twice, but Arsenal took the lead in the final minute when Stina Blackstenias converted Katie McCabe’s free-kick.
After 30 minutes, Chloe Kelly shined on the big stage again with a super goal. She was unmarked on the left but fired an incredible shot under Hannah Hampton, who will be disappointed in her inability to stop her England team-mate’s effort.
Arsenal and Chloe Kelly celebrate goal in Women’s Champions League quarter-final first leg against Chelsea
Chelsea should have scored late in the second half. Fer Bulman rose above Laia Codina at the back post to force the ball home, but when the Arsenal defender fell to the floor, the referee whistled for a foul and ruled the goal null and void. VAR checked it and agreed with the on-field decision, but it looked incredibly soft.
The Blues needed a big man to step up in the second half — James. She pulled Chelsea’s goal back in the 66th minute after a corner kick was cleared. She scored a powerful shot into the back of the goal and made it look easy with her nonchalant finish.
Alessia Russo’s impressive goal gives Arsenal a 3-1 lead over Chelsea
However, the visitors’ hopes were somewhat dampened ten minutes later when Alessia Russo scored her eighth goal in the Champions League, the most by any player. She was spotted by Black Stenius in the middle between Keira Walsh and Lucy Bronze, then turned and hit a nice shot past Hampton.
Chelsea had another goal canceled in the closing stages. Kadeisha Buchanan put the ball in the net, but in the process Anneke Borbe caught it midfield with a high foot and the goal was again ruled out for a foul. This time, of course, the goal was canceled due to a foul.
Stina Blackstenius celebrates victory as she led Arsenal to a 1-0 lead over Chelsea in the Women’s Champions League quarter-final first leg.
This gives the Gunners a huge advantage ahead of the second leg at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday 1 April. Meanwhile, Chelsea have a big task ahead of them as they aim to win the elusive Champions League title.
