Women's UCL: Arsenal left heartbroken
Arsenal Women 2 - 3 VfL Wolfsburg Ladies
Arsenal were knocked out in the Women's Champions League semi-finals with a crushing extra-time defeat by two-time winners Wolfsburg at the Emirates Stadium.
A terrible mistake by defender Lotte Wubben-Moy gifted possession to Wolfsburg with minutes to go and unmarked substitute Pauline Bremer poked in a cross from close range.
In front of a record crowd for a women's game in England, Arsenal put the 60,063 fans through an array of emotions before leaving them heartbroken after 120 minutes.
Arsenal took an early lead through Stina Blackstenius after avoiding a video assistant referee (VAR) scare for a potential handball in the box by Wubben-Moy in the opening minutes.
Wolfsburg then responded as returning captain Alexandra Popp - ruled out of the first leg with a calf injury - set up Jill Roord to make it 1-1 on the night and later headed the visitors in front.
A Blackstenius close-range finish was ruled out by VAR shortly into the second half. Arsenal's Jen Beattie restored hope, heading in a corner with 15 minutes remaining to level the tie.
💚 Dieses Gefühl > #UWCL #ARSWOB #VfLWolfsburg pic.twitter.com/txfbNCoGnk
— VfL Wolfsburg Frauen (@VfL_Frauen) May 2, 2023
As Extra Time dragged on, anxiety grew throughout the Emirates. Though Arsenal looked more threatening they could not find a late goal and Bremer punished Wubben-Moy's mistake.
Wolfsburg will now take on Barcelona for the trophy on 3 June in Eindhoven, after last year's runners-up beat Chelsea in the other semi-final.
All the best reaction to a record breaking night in North London
Beth Mead tweeted: "I couldn’t be more proud of my team tonight, deserved more. Proud to be a Gooner, proud of this club. Something special is building."
Complete agree Beth! I’m so proud of this @ArsenalWFC side tonight the squad has played with so much heart and determination all season dispute it’s many set backs!
— Jake Coare (@JakeCoare14) May 1, 2023
Best of wishes in your recovery from your Injury Beth! Looking forward to seeing you back playing soon!
One Twitter user replied: "Agreed Beth. I’m so proud of this side tonight the squad has played with so much heart and determination all season despite the many setbacks!"
The official Arsenal Women account posted: "Gooners, your support was incredible tonight. For making this sell-out possible and backing us through every tackle, challenge and shot at goal. From everyone at Arsenal, thank you!"
Graham was in attendance at the match. This was his first time watching Arsenal Women and he was impressed with the quality of football on display. He told us: "That was a fantastic game of football, and I'm just gutted that this Arsenal side didn't make the final."
Click here to see how the German game responded to the final whistle.
The growth of Women's football
The match was more evidence that the women's game is really growing. Ten years ago, the attendance for a similar match was 1,406. It is clear that last summer's Women's European Championship has had a huge impact on its popularity,"
Same fixture. 10 years difference.
— Arsenal Women (@ArsenalWFC) May 2, 2023
🗓️ 2013: 1,406
❤️ 2023: 60,063 pic.twitter.com/UsGUMCkMYj
Sheila has been watching this Arsenal side for the last 25 years. He told us: "That was incredible to watch, but I'm upset that we didn't qualify for the final. The occasion deserved an Arsenal victory. Already looking forward to next season, just hoping we can qualify."
This interesting article explores the history of the game across the world. Read it here: A history of women's football (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com)
Highlights and more comments
You can watch the highlights of the match in the video below. HIGHLIGHTS | Arsenal vs. Wolfsburg (UEFA Women's Champions League 2022-23 Semi-final Second Leg) - YouTube
Vikki commented on the YouTube video: "It was a valiant effort from Arsenal, really proud of how they fought till the very end with the number of injuries they have!"
