Arsenal lead Chelsea 3-1
Arsenal grabbed a 3-1 first‑leg lead over Chelsea in the UEFA Women’s Champions League quarterfinals — a huge cushion for the defending champions heading to Stamford Bridge. Coach Slegers cautioned the tie isn’t finished and warned Chelsea will push hard on home turf. (vavel.com) (beinsports.com).
Stina Blackstenius nodded in from Katie McCabe’s free‑kick in the 22nd minute, Chloe Kelly lashed a long‑range strike into the net in the 32nd, Alessia Russo volleyed home in the 76th minute, and Lauren James replied with a 66th‑minute curl for Chelsea. (espn.com) Russo’s 76th‑minute finish took her to a competition‑leading eight goals this UWCL campaign, eclipsing her own previous single‑season English scoring record in the tournament. (espn.com) Chelsea hit the woodwork twice early through Alyssa Thompson and Lauren James and had Veerle Buurman’s first‑half header ruled out for a foul on Laia Codina after VAR review, prompting manager Sonia Bompastor to publicly criticise the officiating and demand higher standards for the women’s game. (skysports.com) Arsenal made a tactical change at half‑time, bringing on Taylor Hinds for Laia Codina and shifting Katie McCabe into centre‑back, with later substitutions including Olivia Smith, Frida Maanum and Smilla Holmberg. (arsenal.com) The match at the Emirates drew an attendance of 18,087, was refereed by Ionela Pesu, and finished with Arsenal on 41.1% possession to Chelsea’s 58.9% according to match statistics. (skysports.com) Arsenal travel to Stamford Bridge for the return leg on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, and head coach Renée Slegers described the result as “very positive” while stressing the tie is only at half‑time and her side must remain adaptable. (skysports.com)
