Sam Kerr’s Chelsea has exited the Women’s Champions League at the quarterfinal stage, despite a 1-0 victory over Arsenal at Stamford Bridge.
Reigning champions Arsenal, featuring Kerr’s Matildas teammates Steph Catley and Caitlin Foord, advanced to the last four via a 3-2 aggregate across the two quarterfinal legs.
Kerr, who was joined by compatriot Ellie Carpenter in Chelsea’s line-up, was credited with a goal assist when midfielder Sjoeke Nüsken found the back of the net in the 94th minute.
But it was not enough to stop Arsenal, who will face either Olympique Lyonnais or VfL Wolfsburg in the semifinals.
Caitlin Foord (left) celebrates with Arsenal teammates Taylor Hinds (centre) and Alessia Russo. (Getty Images/Arsenal FC: David Price)
Chelsea, who had manager Sonia Bompastor sent from the sideline late on, started at a furious pace.
Yet Arsenal soon knocked the Blues off their rhythm, and the home side did not manage a single shot on target in the first half.
Arsenal grew into the match in the second half, but all the drama happened late on as Chelsea threw everything forward in an effort to get back in the tie.
Gunners substitute Stina Blackstenius headed home from a cross from her Swedish compatriot Smilla Holmberg in the 80th minute, but the goal was chalked off after a VAR review found that the striker had been just offside in the build-up.
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Chelsea went back on the attack and defender Veerle Buurman struck the post with a late shot, and midfielder Nüsken was denied by a brilliant save from Arsenal goal keeper Daphne van Domselaar.
Arsenal’s Beth Mead then smacked a stoppage-time shot off the far post before Nüsken finally netted to set up a nerve-jangling finale.
With the match reaching its climax, Arsenal’s Katie McCabe was not penalised for pulling Alyssa Thompson’s hair during a counter-attack, prompting an angry outburst that saw Bompastor sent from the dugout after picking up two yellow cards for her protests.
Meanwhile, Bayern Munich scored twice late on to eke out a 2-1 win on the night and a 5-3 aggregate victory over Manchester United to qualify for the semifinals for the first time since 2021.
Bayern is expected to face three-time winners Barcelona, who lead Spanish rivals Real Madrid 6-2 after the first leg of their quarterfinal.
Reuters/ABC