Arsenal 3-1 Chelsea: Gunners Take Lead in Women’s Champions League Quarter-Final

March 25, 2026 Alex Carter - Sports Editor Sport

Stina Blackstenius scored the opening goal as Arsenal defeated Chelsea 3-1 in the first leg of their Women’s Champions League quarter-final tie on Tuesday evening.

The match, played at the Emirates Stadium, saw Arsenal take a commanding lead thanks to goals from Blackstenius, Chloe Kelly, and Alessia Russo. Chelsea’s lone goal came from a spectacular strike by Lauren James, leaving the return leg at Stamford Bridge next week as a significant challenge for the defending Women’s Super League champions.

Chelsea came close to opening the scoring early, with Alyssa Thompson’s cross hitting the post after just five minutes. James also tested Arsenal goalkeeper Anneke Borbe, striking the same post moments later. However, it was Arsenal who broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute. Katie McCabe delivered a free-kick that Blackstenius headed past Hannah Hampton, marking her first Champions League goal of the season, according to reports.

Arsenal extended their advantage ten minutes later when Beth Mead played a crossfield pass to Kelly, who unleashed a 20-yard shot that found the net. The Gunners’ dominance continued, but Chelsea almost responded before halftime when Veerle Buurman’s goal was disallowed for a foul on Laia Codina following a VAR review, a decision that drew criticism from Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor.

James provided a moment of brilliance for Chelsea in the 66th minute, curling a left-footed shot from 25 yards into the top corner. However, Arsenal quickly regained their two-goal cushion. Blackstenius played a role in the build-up, setting up Russo who volleyed past Hampton to make it 3-1.

Further frustration for Chelsea came in stoppage time when Kadeisha Buchanan had a goal disallowed for a foul on Borbe. According to ESPN, Arsenal will now travel to Stamford Bridge for the second leg with a two-goal advantage.

Stina Blackstenius, a Swedish forward who joined Arsenal in 2022, has been a key player for the club. She previously played for Linköping and Montpellier, and represents the Sweden national team, with 126 appearances and 43 goals as of March 7, 2026, according to Wikipedia.