ARSENAL Women secured a 3-1 win over WSL rivals Chelsea in their Women’s Champions League quarterfinal first leg at the Emirates, in a bid to defend their title.
The Gunners will take a two-goal cushion into the reverse fixture at Stamford Bridge next week, with the winners set to face either Wolfsburg or OL Lyonnes in the semifinals.
First half finishes from Stina Blackstenius and Chloe Kelly saw the home side enter the break 2-0 up against the Blues.
In the 66th minute, Lauren James’ impressive long-range effort looked to inspire a Chelsea comeback.
However, the tournament’s top scorer, Alessia Russo, added another clinical finish to her tally of eight goals so far this campaign to seal Arsenal’s win.
After recently returning from injury, Chloe Kelly reflected on scoring a vital Women’s Champions League goal for Arsenal, while speaking to Disney+ post-match: “I was frustrated at the start of the season, kept picking up little niggles with my knee, but now I feel back.
“I feel confident. And playing under Renée… she gives me a lot of confidence. So I love being in an Arsenal shirt.”
Fellow Women’s Super League side, Manchester United, take on Bayern Munich this evening to continue their impressive debut campaign in the competition.
By @ChloBoyne
