Chelsea qualify for semi-finals as all-English Champions League final on cards

With Chelsea joining Arsenal in qualifying for the Women’s Champions League semi-final, there could now be a potential all-English final on the cards.

Both Sonia Bompastor’s Blues and Renee Slegers’ Gunners had to come from two-goal deficits, against Manchester City and Real Madrid respectively, to book their place in the final four, and will have to wait until the final to meet. They are joined by Lyon and current holders FC Barcelona.

Victory against Real saw Arsenal progress to their eighth Champions League semi-final, where they will play eight-time winners Lyon and come up against former boss Joe Montemurro, after the French side defeated German outfit Bayern 6-1 on aggregate. They last tasted success in the competition in the 2021/22 campaign, whilst the Gunners won their one and only Champions League in 2006/7.

Chelsea play holders Barcelona in a repeat of last season’s semi-final, which saw Emma Hayes’ final chance at European glory with the west Londoners come to a bitter end. The Blues had sealed a famous away win in the first leg before they succumbed to a 2-0 defeat in the second leg at Stamford Bridge, where they finished the match with ten players after Kadeisha Buchanan’s red card.

Barcelona, who have won three of the last four Champions League titles, progressed after demolishing former holders Wolfsburg 10-2 on aggregate, and will look to add to their 36 goals scored so far this competition.

Semi-final first legs will be played on 19 and 20 April, with the second legs taking place on 26 and 27 April. Clubs who make the semi-finals each receive about £150,000. Should they reach the final, the runner-up gets £166,000 and the winner’s prize is £291,000.

This season’s final takes place in Lisbon, at the Jose Alvalade Stadium, home of men’s side Sporting. Lisbon last hosted the final in 2014, where Wolfsburg triumphed over Swedish side Tyreso 4-3.