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Arsenal’s Remarkable Journey to the Champions League Final
Arsenal’s path to the Champions League final has been nothing short of extraordinary. Beginning their campaign with a qualifying match against Rangers last September, they have now participated in 14 matches this season—a first for any team in this tournament format.
While Chelsea appears poised to secure their sixth consecutive Women’s Super League title, there were concerns that Arsenal might falter in the final phase of the season. However, in a stunning display, they accomplished what Chelsea could not: overcoming a first-leg deficit against formidable European rivals to advance to the Champions League final.
Although Lyon did not perform at their best, with manager Joe Montemurro describing their display as “perplexing” and “inexplicable,” Arsenal seized the opportunity to assert their dominance. This victory marked the first time they won an away two-legged European semi-final match.
The emotional aftermath of the match was vividly captured by veteran player Kim Little, who will celebrate her 35th birthday in June. Her performance, highlighted by precise passes and clever footwork, showcased her dual role in both attack and defense alongside Spanish midfielder Caldentey.
“It’s remarkable to see her still competing at such a high level and continually improving. Her success is a testament to her attitude and dedication,” stated former Chelsea forward Karen Carney on TNT Sports.
Carney further praised the partnership between Little and Caldentey, noting how their synergy allowed them to push forward while maintaining control of the game. “Seeing her emotional reaction at the end was a rarity; she’s both a brilliant player and a wonderful person,” Carney remarked.
With around 500 dedicated fans cheering them on from a designated section high in the stands of the 60,000-capacity venue, Arsenal demonstrated remarkable efficiency, converting four of their six shots on target into goals.
Reflecting on the match, player Foord, who scored the fourth goal, commented, “I believe we played exceptionally well and gained momentum. Scoring from our chances was crucial. We won the ball in vital areas, which unsettled them, allowing us to finish effectively.”
Source
www.bbc.com