Arsenal edge Chelsea
Arsenal took a 3-1 advantage over Chelsea in their Women’s Champions League quarterfinal first leg at the Emirates Stadium — goals from Stina Blackstenius, Chloe Kelly and Alessia Russo did the damage. That result gives Arsenal a strong platform heading into the return fixture. (socceramerica.com)
The quarter-final first leg was played at Emirates Stadium on 24 March 2026. (uefa.com) Official attendance was recorded at 18,087 for the fixture. (skysports.com) The match official at centre was Romanian referee Ionela Alina Peșu. (frf.ro) Chelsea dominated possession (58.9%) and completed 469 passes to Arsenal’s 332, while both teams registered six shots on target. (skysports.com) Chelsea struck the woodwork twice inside the opening 15 minutes and had at least one effort ruled out after an on-field foul was confirmed by VAR. (uefa.com) Manager Sonia Bompastor publicly criticised the refereeing following the game. (europesays.com) A stoppage‑time effort that looked to have been bundled over the line was pulled back for a foul on the goalkeeper, and the tie’s second leg is scheduled at Stamford Bridge on 1 April 2026. (espn.com) UEFA noted Chelsea had never previously been eliminated at the quarter-final stage, a record they will seek to protect in the return leg. (uefa.com)
