Heartbreak for Arsenal in Women’s Champions League semi-final as Bremer’s extra-time winner sends Wolfsburg to the final against Barcelona.

• Arsenal narrowly miss out on Women’s Champions League final, losing 3-2 to Wolfsburg in a thrilling semi-final encounter.
• Pauline Bremer scores the decisive goal in extra time, sending Wolfsburg to face Barcelona in the final on June 3.
• Despite a valiant effort and record crowd of over 60,000, Arsenal’s injury-hit team were unable to overcome their opponents.

In a thrilling Women’s Champions League semi-final, injury-hit Arsenal suffered heartbreak as they were narrowly defeated 3-2 by two-time European champions Wolfsburg at a packed Emirates Stadium. Despite a courageous performance, the Gunners were unable to reach the final, losing 4-5 on aggregate.

In front of a record crowd exceeding 60,000, Stina Blackstenius fired Arsenal ahead in the 11th minute, igniting the already electric atmosphere. However, goals from former Gunner Jill Roord (41) and Alexandra Popp (58) turned the tide in Wolfsburg’s favour before Jen Beattie restored hope by heading home a deft Lotte Wubben-Moy cross in the 75th minute, forcing extra-time.

In a dramatic finale, substitute Pauline Bremer struck the decisive goal deep into extra-time, breaking Arsenal hearts and sending Wolfsburg through to the final against Barcelona on June 3rd in Eindhoven.

Arsenal manager Jonas Eidevall told Sky Sports, “We’re allowed to hurt. We’re allowed to feel empty. But we’re also allowed to feel proud,” reflecting on the emotional night that saw Arsenal exit the competition to Wolfsburg for the second season running.

The Gunners put up a valiant fight, with Blackstenius having another goal ruled out by VAR for a marginal offside and Katie McCabe rattling the crossbar during extra-time. However, a tired Wubben-Moy was dispossessed by Jule Brand in the dying moments, allowing Bremer to deal the final blow with a straightforward finish at the back post.

Despite the disappointment, Eidevall remained positive about the team’s achievements, stating, “As a group, we’ve got to the Champions League semi-final and don’t make it [to the final] on the tiniest of margins, with all the injuries and challenges we have. That is actually incredible. I’m so proud.”

Looking ahead, Arsenal return to WSL action on Friday, May 5th, against Leicester City, live on Sky Sports, kick-off at 7:30 pm.

While the Champions League dream has come to an end, Arsenal’s inspiring performance against Wolfsburg will live long in the memory of the record-breaking crowd that witnessed this unforgettable encounter.