Manager reaction:
Jonathan Liew musings:
Well thank you so much for joining me for this thriller Women’s Champions League semi-final. It was a huge performance from both teams and it took Bremer, a Wolfsburg sub, to hit home in extra time to decide it. A massive effort from Arsenal to stay in it until the end, especially after going 2-0 down in the first leg, but it is Wolfsburg who head into the final to face Barcelona. For all the action from the Emirates have a read of our report below. We will of course be back for the final on 3 June, see you then!
How many times will Katie McCabe watch this one back:
KATIE MCCABE NEARLY WITH THE WINNER FOR ARSENAL 😮
— DAZN Football (@DAZNFootball) May 1, 2023
WATCH #UWCL LIVE NOW ⬇️
🇬🇧 https://t.co/KODI5SW6Zn
🇩🇪 https://t.co/sRzmGRnESd pic.twitter.com/I6mVuoCGLW
Stina Blackstenius has spoken after the heartbreaking defeat, telling DAZN: “Very tough game and a tough result to concede a goal like that in the end. I am so proud of how the team has done in the Champions League, how we have managed to come back in so many games and getting so close to the final. It’s amazing to score a goal in a game like this and in front of a record crowd.”
And on why she was subbed so early: “I felt something in my quad so I couldn’t keep going. I think we have a lot more to give, this will give us a lot of confidence.”
Zach has said via email: “I feel like Arsenal’s season is a lot like Wubben-Moy’s match today. Well played, with many positives, but ending painfully.” I would slightly disagree with you there, Arsenal do already have silverware this season with the Conti Cup. And they are still in the WSL fight. Arsenal have had horrible injury luck but they could have easily won the match tonight, they matched an almost-fully fit Wolfsburg side. A cracking tie so yes it is painful for fans but huge heart to the team and still a successful season.
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And so with that result we will see Barcelona v Wolfsburg in the final on 3 June. I personally can’t see Barcelona losing the final, they are just too good.
Here is that late winner from Bremer:
PAULINE BREMER HAS SURELY WON IT FOR WOLFSBURG!! 💚💚💚
— DAZN Football (@DAZNFootball) May 1, 2023
WATCH #UWCL LIVE NOW ⬇️
🇬🇧 https://t.co/KODI5SW6Zn
🇩🇪 https://t.co/sRzmGRnESd pic.twitter.com/YHofsmSPHG
Jill Roord told DAZN: “Overwhelmed, it was such a tough game. I thought it was going to penalties, we won thank god. Credit to Arsenal, they have been through a lot as a team but they made it hard.”
Williamson and Miedema immediately go over to Wubben-Moy, whose error saw Bremer score the winner. The defender played extremely well throughout the game, including an assist, and so the loss is definitely not on her.
Wow, the whistle goes and Wolfsburg’s bench rush onto the pitch. The screams of joy from Wolfsburg players drowned out by the record crowd chanting Arsenal.
Extra time full-time: Arsenal 2-3 (4-5 on agg) Wolfsburg
What a dream match for Bremer, who leaves Wolfsburg at the end of the season, she comes on as a sub and sends her club to the Champions League final. Heartbreak for Arsenal but what dreams are made of for Wolfsburg. That is sport. What an absolutely thrilling semi-final.
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120 + 5 min: Wolfsburg have a free kick, surely this is the last play.
120 + 3 min: Wolfsburg makes another change. Blomqvist is on for Roord who takes her time.
120 + 2 min: Catley crosses into the box but Popp repels it. Arsenal are throwing everything at this. Wubben-Moy sends it in but it’s out for a goal kick. The Emirates hates that call, thinking it would be a corner but Arsenal were offside.
120 + 1 min: Wassmuth almost get another, jeez! Arsenal loose in the back. Wow, three minutes left for Arsenal to find something. Football is so cruel sometimes.
120 min: A defensive howler from Wubben-Moy. Zinsberger passes to Wubben-Moy who is easily dispossessed by Bremer and she slots it home.
GOAL! Arsenal 2-3 (4-5 on agg) Wolfsburg (Bremer, 119')
Oh my god!
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119 min: A soft attempt from Roord sees Zinsberger comfortably save. Only a few minutes to find a winner now.
118 min: Wolfsburg have slowed the ball down, quelling Arsenal’s growing momentum as extra time draws to a close. Catley gets a yellow as she tries to win the ball.
116 min: Rauch gets a yellow card for a foul on McCabe, the free kick is in a good position. Catley and Maanum stand over it but it is Maanum who takes it but Popp heads away. Bremer kicks away but McCabe intercepts, she gets a shot in and it rattles the bar! Wow!!
114 min: Popp is getting some ice to her thigh as she tentatively gets back to her feet, a great sign for the visitors. She is okay to continue.
113 min: Popp put in a good challenge, which has seen her stay down. Roord gets it in the box and Bremer gets in a great position but drags it wide! That could have sealed this.
111 min: Beattie is okay to continue. Williamson is giving messages to subs but they may not need it with Maanum in a good position! But her shot is way over the bar, you’d expect better from her there, maybe the tiredness of this game showing.
Updated
110 min: Wolfsburg are being really patient on their build-up here and Brand does well to take it up but her pass is blocked. The visitors are coming again, Brand has a good run but her resulting shot is collected easily by Zinsberger. Beattie has cramp and so she is having some treament.
108 min: Maanum gets past two defenders but her cross has too much on it and it’s out for a goal kick.
106 min: Pete has got in touch on Twitter and said: “Fully confessing a huge recency bias, but this has to be the best 2 legged CL tie in women’s history, right? Hoping for a winner. Neither side deserves going out on PKs.” What are we saying everyone? Best WCL semi ever?
Back underway! Arsenal 2-2 (4-4 on agg) Wolfsburg
The last chance to find a winner before we head to penalties. A great match between two European giants.
Updated
Huge second 15 minutes to come, I am on the edge of my seat. I’m still expecting this to go to pens.
Extra time half-time: Arsenal 2-2 (4-4 on agg) Wolfsburg
No winner as of yet, both teams still matching each other well. A tense second half to extra time to come.
105 + 1 min: There will be one minute added.
105 min: They work it well to by the area but Wubben-Moy does well to win it back. Maanum has great feet in the midfield and her resulting pass has a bit too much on it for Hurtig.
103 min: Possession is exchanging hands here as both attempt to find a winner. Catley puts in a foul on Oberdorf and Wolfsburg have a free kick in their own half. They launch the attack from deep.
101 min: Peter has got in touch and he is full on puns: “I hope you’ve replenished your popcorn because this match is building up to a cinematic finish! Will Popp have the decisive pop? Will Arsenal play it Kuhl? Who knows how this will finish!” I wish I had saved the popcorn! Sadly I am having to watch on without a snack. Wolfsburg makes a change with Jonsdottir off for Brand.
100 min: Maanum takes too long on the ball in the box and Janssen does well to close her down for a corner. The fans are on their feet for this set-piece, It comes in but Wilms is barged by Hurtig and Wolfsburg win it back. Wilms is okay to continue.
98 min: Oh my word Frohms that is stunning! The ball is walloped in from Maanum and Hurtig gets a clean strike, Frohms puts in a huge save. Wow!!
98 min: Wolfsburg get it in again, Wilms crosses but Zinsberger calmly collects. Wubben-Moy makes a great run and crosses to Hurtig but Wolfsburg do well to close it down.
96 min: Hendrich sees it out but manages a deflection and so Wolfsburg have it. Arsenal do well to win a throw in but Maanum sees it out with a poor touch. Wolfsburg on the hunt and they get it in the box but Pelova challenges well and wins it back.
94 min: Wolfsburg are being patient on the ball but Jonsdottir takes a touch out of play, McCabe deserving plaudits there. Arsenal are on the attack with Catley on the wing. The Emirates chanting Arsenal now.
92 min: What a cracker of a match! Sublime football. Rauch almost gives away a pen on Kuhl for a challenge but she does well to recover.
Extra time kick-off! Arsenal 2-2 (4-4 on agg) Wolfsburg
Will we see a winner in the next 30 minutes? Or will the record crowd see a tense penalty shootout? We will soon find out.
Timothy has got in touch via email and said: “That’s another ACL, isn’t it? So gutting, right after that goal. I’ve always really liked Weinroither. Good luck and godspeed to her. This is becoming an epidemic though. What needs to be done? More research definitely needs to be funded, but beyond that it’s hard to see an obvious solution. It’s very frustrating.” Hopefully it is not an ACL for Wienroither, Arsenal will be hoping the same, but it did look like it could be. Her studs slightly caught in the grass and she gripped her knee. More research is needed, with that the solutions will become apparent.
Full-time: Arsenal 2-2 (4-4 on agg) Wolfsburg
We are heading to extra time! Popp thought she had won it for the visitors with a powerful header but Beattie’s header equalised. I predicted penalties and it looks as though we are heading for them.
90 + 7 min: Wolfsburg are throwing everything at this to not send it to extra time but Arsenal’s defence is remaining strong for now.
90 + 6 min: Catley concedes a corner but shuts down a Jonsdottir cross. Rauch is over the ball and puts it in, Wolfsburg thought it was another corner but it is judged a goal kick.
90 + 5 min: McCabe does really well to see out the ball for a goal kick with pressure from Jonsdottir. Rafaelle is needed to put in a good defensive effort with Wassmuth attempting to cross and she does! Catley looks in a bit of pain here but she is okay, no treatment needed.
90 + 3 min: Maanum loses out and Wolfsburg pops it upfield. Arsenal win it back but Hurtig is pulled up for a foul. The Emirates don’t like the call, boos ringing around, and while it was a little soft I can see why it was given.
90 + 1 min: Huth is off for Bremer as Wolfsburg makes another change. There will be seven minutes added, plenty of time for a winner!
90 min: Catley takes it but Wolfsburg heads away. McCabe gets it back in but Maanum’s shot is wide.
89 min: Popp lucky not to get a yellow there and Arsenal are now on the attack. Pelova does well under pressure and then Maanum wins the corner.
88 min: Wassmuth pops the ball upfield but Arsenal’s defence stands strong. They try to counter but a heavy touch from Hurtig sees Wolfsburg get it back. If this heads to pens both teams have subbed some of their takers, namely Blackstenius and Pajor.
86 min: Beattie is okay to continue and the crowd take a sigh of relief! They are already missing Wienroither, Mead, Miedema, Foord, Little and Williamson.
85 min: Arsenal win a free kick and Catley takes it, it is headed away by Wolfsburg. Wilms gives the ball away to jeers from the crowd and now Beattie needs some treatment.
84 min: Popp is deadly, she is at the heart of this good performance from the visitors. Arsenal are also playing really well but for Wolfsburg to come to a sold-out Emirates and play as they are, I tip my metaphorical hat.
82 min: Kuhl is on for Wienroither. Huge standing ovation for Wienroither as she is stretchered off.
80 min; Wienroither is being helped off the pitch here, Arsenal will have to make a change. Unsure who is replacing the Austrian international.
79 min: Oh no, this looks really bad for Wienroither. She tried to turn as she challenged Jonsdottir and she has not got back up. Let us pray this isn’t another ACL injury for Arsenal, that would be the fourth at Arsenal alone.
78 min: The goal is good and Eidevall is geeing up the crowd! I said this could go to pens!
78 min: The goal is good according to the commentators, the players don’t know yet. What a semi-final this is! Pajor is also off for Wassmuth in a sub.
74 min: They are checking for a foul I believe. Also Pajor was okay to continue, the goal came so quick I couldn’t update you!
GOAL! Arsenal 2-2 (4-4 on agg)Wolfsburg (Beattie, 73')
Wubben-Moy puts in a huge pass but Hurtig cannot control it. Oberdorf gives away a free kick for a foul on Walti, a good free kick to come here. Wienroither takes the kick and Beattie is in! They are checking this.
Updated
74 min: Beattie has a great turn to feed Maanum but her shot it blocked and Wolfsburg counter! Pajor looks to be in but Wubben-Moy makes a sensational challenge. Pajor is offside regardless but that is exactly what you want from your defender. Pajor is down in the box after the challenge, she is receiving some treatment.
72 min: Zinsberger is absolutely fine and we are back underway. Arsenal win a free kick on the halfway line as Oberdorf fouls.
70 min: The Emirates chanting Arsenal as they try and re-ignite the team, they need a goal in the next 20 minutes to stay in this. McCabe does well to win a throw in in a good position and they are on the attack. Wienroither gets a cross in but Frohms collects. Oh my word, what a miss. Huth was played a great ball, she is one-on-one with Zinsberger but she puts it wide. Wow, she ahs to score that. Oh and look at that, Zinsberger down for an injury or a tactical time out. The teams speaking to their coaches.
68 min: Arsenal thought they were on there but Popp does well to pressure them and the hosts are ruled offside. The Emirates crowd are booing now as Wolfsburg stand over the resulting free kick, Frohms pings it upfield. Possession exchanges hands but Wolfsburg are with it now.
66 min: Arsenal are the first to make changes with Wienroither and Hurtig on for Martiz and Blackstenius off. Blackstenius being hooked at this point is surprising, I thought she was having a great game. Wolfsburg are coming again but Popp’s cross has too much on it.
64 min: Rafaelle makes a great run but her resulting pass is straight out, Frohms goal kick to come. Wolfsburg are risky with it and they choose to play out the back but they get it away.
62 min: Arsenal are coming here, a great ball to Catley and she gets it in. Blackstenius slips and the ball is behind her, almost another equaliser! Commentary are speaking a lot about the impact of the bench but they were faced with the same challenge in the first leg and managed to get a draw. Maanum takes a long range shot and Frohms collects.
60 min: I thought before this tie Popp could be the difference and at this moment she is! She is one of the best players in the world for a reason. Arsenal will need to respond now to stay in the Champions League.
GOAL! Arsenal 1-2 (3-4 on agg) Wolfsburg (Popp, 59')
Who else?! Rauch takes it, Zinsberger tries to punch it away but she can’t get to it and Jonsdottir almost gets it in the net but McCabe blocks! Pajor gets it back to the edge of the box, Beattie this time clears. Rauch sends in another corner and Popp heads in. Wow.
Updated
58 min: Huth makes a mistake as she gives away possession to Catley, Hendrich does well initially but her clearance kick hits McCabe. The Arsenal captain gives away the ball though with a foul. Pajor makes a great run and Rafaelle has a good challenge, it’s out for another corner.
56 min: Rafaelle has an amazing challenge with Pajor on the edge of a box, she concedes a corner. Rauch takes it but it’s headed away. Wolfsburg do get possession back quickly but Jonsdottir sees it out for an Arsenal throw.
54 min: They play it short and Rauch pops it in with Popp’s header collected by Zinsberger. Blackstenius takes a heavy touch in an attack for the hosts.
53 min: Rauch takes it and it is initially headed away. Popp gets it back in and Zinsberger almost loses control of it and it’s out for a corner.
52 min: 60,063 people in the Emirates tonight, a new record in England. Beattie gets a yellow card for a foul on Pajor, Wolfsburg now have a free kick in a great position.
51 min: Huth get a yellow card for a challenge on McCabe and Arsenal get a free kick. They take it but then Oberdorf is fouled by Blackstenius. Both sides really up for this, I have a feeling though it will go to penalties.
49 min: Wolfsburg spring into life to try and get one back, Popp’s shot is blocked and the ball is eventually claimed by Zinsberger. Such a shame that goal was ruled out, it was a screamer and the Emirates went crazy.
NO GOAL! Arsenal 1-1 (3-3 on agg) Wolfsburg
They are checking this for offside but jeez, what a goal! Maanum passed a long range pass to Pelova and she cross to Blackstenius and it went in. The referee goes to have a look and it is ruled out.
Updated
GOAL! Arsenal 2-1 (4-3 on agg) Wolfsburg (Blackstenius, 46')
What a goal!
Updated
47 min: Arsenal run it out of play for a Frohms goal kick but Wolfsburg then do the exact same thing and the hosts are on the attack.
Back underway! Arsenal 1-1 (3-3 on agg) Wolfsburg
Arsenal have grown into this game but Wolfsburg aren’t fading, a huge second half here. I still want to hear about your snacks, I can report my popcorn is all gone.
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Ian Wright is loving the crowd:
🥹♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️ @ArsenalWFC pic.twitter.com/XwqTS2MyLN
— Ian Wright (@IanWright0) May 1, 2023
A strange end to the half as the referee gave Arsenal a free kick but then didn’t allow them to take it, blowing the half-time whistle intead.
Half-time: Arsenal 1-1 (3-3 on agg) Wolfsburg
What a half of football we have been treated to! Despite early Wolfsburg pressure, arsenal were the first to draw blood with a cracking Blackstenius goal. But a well worked set-piece from the visitors had former Gunner Roord equalise. It is all to play for in the second 45. Remember if it is level after 90 we will head to extra time and penalties.
45 + 4 min: Pelova takes the kick but Frohms punches away. Jonsdottir makes a huge break, gets into the area and her shot is saved by Zinsberger. What a player.
45 + 3 min: There’s a bit of pushing ahead of the set piece and she has a word with Rafaelle and Oberdorf. Maanum then takes the kick but Pajor heads over the bar, corner to come!
45 + 2 min: We won’t see a goal if the defence is that good! Popp looked as though she would have a good shot but Catley made a good recovery run. Blackstenius then wins a free kick from a foul, a good position this for the hosts.
45 + 1 min: There will be five minutes added, will we see another goal before half-time?
45 min: That was so risky from Zinsberger, a huge kick comes in and she decides to meet it on the edge of the area to collect. This has been such a great match to watch as a netural! Popp is fuming as a foul goes against her, to be fair she gets the ball all day – that is not a foul!
43 min: Roord ended Arsenal’s Champions League dreams before and will that goal prove pivotal? She just loves to score her former club! Arsenal are looking to get back their lead quickly, the equaliser hasn’t taken the stuffing out of them.
GOAL! Arsenal 1-1 (3-3 on agg) Wolfsburg (Roord, 41)
Maritz gets a yellow card for a shirt pull on Popp and Wolfsburg have a free kick. Huth takes it, Popp heads it in and Roord has it in!
Updated
40 min: Catley puts in a great cross but Rauch clears. Wolfsburg look to counter but Oberdorf’s long range pass is straight to Zinsberger. It’s so back and forth at the moment as McCabe comes away with it but she is judged offside.
38 min: Popp does well to win it and Hendrick puts in a good pass to Huth, Maritz blocks the cross and Wolfsburg have their first corner. It popped into the box from Huth and Popp heads it wide.
36 min: Catley is over this corner and sends it in, Frohms punches away and Wolfsburg clear. The visitors are now having some possession, they get it into the box and Pajor is on it. She controls with her chest and she gets a shot away, Zinsberger collects.
34 min: Blackstenius does well to turn in the midfield to put Arsenal on the attack once more. Maanum is urged to shoot way outside the area but opts for the safer option and the club run it through the team. Huth does well to pressure Catley and she is ruled offside anyway. Wolfsburg’s defence is shaky and McCabe wins another corner!
32 min: Wolfsburg are doing really well to create chances but it is just their last touch and pass which isn’t clicking at the moment. Huth puts the ball into the box but Popp falls to the floor and then Wilms can’t control and it’s out for Arsenal.
30 min: The first corner of the game and it’s put into the near post, Wilms hits it out for another corner. Pelova hits it in again and Frohms punches away. Wolfsburg tries to get it to Huth and she gives it away to Maanum! Blackstenius’ chance is straight at Frohms though, so close!
28 min: McCabe immediately gets into action and she wins a corner, a great run from the skipper.
27 min: McCabe is okay, Arsenal fans will love that, they can’t afford to lose a third captain with Kim Little and Leah Williamson already out.
26 min: A pass from Wolfsburg has too much on it and it is out for a goal kick. McCabe is now down with an injury, she was kicked in the knee but I think she should be okay to continue.
25 min: Wolfsburg gets it in the box and they pay it to Roord who rifles off a shot, it goes wide – much like her chance in the first leg.
23 min: Maanum does well to cut out the ball which was heading for Rauch’s feet. Wolfsburg will want to be the next to score but they did go 2-0 up in the first leg and Arsenal came back so anything could happen!
21 min: Samuel has got in touch and said: “Massive shout out to Forest Women for winning the FWNL North Prem yesterday! My 5-year-old twin girls walked on as mascots with right wing supremo Hayley James yesterday, so this 39-year-old shed a tear before the match started AND after the final whistle! Thanks for making us very happy indeed!” So lovely, what a nice moment for you! And congrats Forest! Back to the football and Arsenal are taking the sting out of Wolfsburg’s growing momentum.
19 min: I said all teams need is a moment and Zinsberger makes a great save! Wilms rocketed one from just outside the box but the keeper has it under control. Maritz is fouled by Popp and Arsenal set up their attack once more.
17 min: The goal has put a pep in Arsenal’s step, it has been all Wolfsburg in the early stages but all a team needs is one moment. Blackstenius gets on the end of a good pass once again and she wins a throw in. Wolfsburg do well to clear, they need to weather this momentum shift if they want to stay in this. And they won’t stay in this if they keep letting Arsenal in! Pelova is boxed out and Martiz’ shot is over the bar.
15 min: Pelova with a beautiful ball! A great long range pass as she is falling to the floor, it gets to McCabe but the touch is a bit heavy and Wolfsburg clear.
13 min: Goal given! Hendrich tried to play it back to Frohms with Blackstenius right on her heels, the pass went awry and the Arsenal star popped it in the back of the net. Huge moment.
12 min: Oh hang on, they are checking this! Blackstenius apparently fouled ahead of the goal and so they are checking this.
GOAL! Arsenal 1-0 (3-2 on agg) Wolfsburg (Blackstenius, 11)
Wow! A defensive blunder for Wolfsburg sees Blackstenius in!
Updated
10 min: Arsenal get it into the box but the pass to Blackstenius has too much on it and Frohms kicks away. Janssen plays a great long pass but Pajor can’t quite get a hold of it. A foul goes in on Maanum and Arsenal can clear the pressure.
8 min: Wolfsburg continue to be in control of this match, the huge crowd not affecting them. Rauch takes a heavy touch though and it is out of play.
6 min: Eidevall really celebrated when that wasn’t given, I think if Jonsdottir wasn’t offside it would have been. What a start.
5 min: The ball comes in and Wubben-Moy heads away but it seems to rebound and hit her hands potentially, will they give this penalty? The referee has been told to have a look, this doesn’t look good for the hosts. The referee doesn’t give it! It looks as though Jonsdottir was offside beforehand and the penalty is obsolete! Wow.
3 min: Janssen puts in a huge long pass which unlocks an attack for the visitors. It comes to Jonsdottir but she can’t make good contact. Oh, VAR is checking for a penalty with potential handball in the box from Arsenal!
2 min: Wolfsburg has retained the ball in the early stages and Frohms came under pressure from Arsenal’s high press. She gets the ball away and Huth is then ruled offside, a steady start.
Kick-off! Arsenal 0-0 (2-2 on agg) Wolfsburg
Here we go! The crowd are ready, the players are ready, are you? The delay to kick-off is just the delay from the stream, apologies for that.
The players are walking out at the Emirates and the crowd is deafening, wow what an atmosphere!
Updated
Harriet is getting in on the snack chat and said: “Just coffee for me right now but looking forward to a bit of microwaveable Korean instant noodles in an hour or so. And there is no such thing as “share size” popcorn; you’re just meant to share how tasty it is with the rest of us!” A coffee just after 5.30 is a bold choice, I thought about it but I think it would keep me up all night. Thank you for the popcorn support, the bag is nearly all gone – going to save some for half-time!
Arsenal are the only English team left in the competition after Barcelona knocked out Chelsea 2-1 on aggregate in their semi-final. To catch up on all that action, read the report below:
A really get video to watch ahead of kick-off:
Watch this to get ready for tonight! 🤩 pic.twitter.com/S2K8ZiqF4n
— Arsenal Women (@ArsenalWFC) May 1, 2023
What a few days it has been for women’s sport! The Red Roses had just over 58,000 people watch them in their first standalone match at Twickenham and now Arsenal have sold-out the Emirates.
Chelsea broke the Women’s Champions League attendance record in England when they hosted Barca in April with just over 27,000 at Stamford Bridge. Tonight’s game is sure to smash that with the Emirates having a capacity just over 60,000.
Updated
Joe has got in touch on email and let me know what snack he has gone for, saying: “Seeing as it’s around lunchtime here in central Indiana, and I had some errands to run, I picked up a Spicy California Roll from my local grocery. You have to be careful with grocery sushi, but this particular one has a good track record for me. And always remember to ask for extra wasabi, especially on a gloomy, rainy day like we have today. Wow!” Sushi from a supermarket really is a bit risky but it’s thrill too! I can’t say I’m the biggest sushi lover but if it gets you through the rain, munch away!
Wolfsburg’s manager Tommy Stroot said in his press conference: We’re ready for anything. There are going to be different periods in the game. A match like this can change at any moment with a goal for us or for our opponents. We’re prepared for quite a few scenarios, but we’ve already experienced many of them ourselves. That’s an advantage compared to last season. We’ve become more mature in terms of our principles and have more options when it comes to how we play. We’ve seen what it felt like to play against more passive opposition, but I’m sure we can take more initiative [on Monday] because we’ve been working on that in the last few days.”
Jonas Eidevall has spoken about the Emirates selling out ahead of the game. “I don’t see this as an end point, for me this has always been the natural progression,” he said. “It is a huge occasion for us as a team and as a club and it is a huge compliment. I hope we look back on this in history that we see it as one of the starting points where this became a regular occurrence. We have taken every opportunity since I have been here to go to the Emirates. That has always been the preference to go there. The more we play there, the more it feels like home.” Read the full piece:
Happy Bank Holiday all! I love a bit of snack chat so let me know what you’ve got going while you’re watching this one. Are you having a BBQ with this nice weather? Maybe having a cheeky drink alongside it? Let me know via Twitter or email! My choice this evening is salted popcorn but I feel slightly judged by the bag it’s in. It says ‘it’s GREAT for sharing’, the caps are how it is presented on the bag, and I am not planning on sharing it with anyone.
Imagine walking into a pub and England captain Leah Williamson is there to pull you a pint! Incredible scenes:
Look who’s rocked up at the Arsenal fan pub 🤩 @leahcwilliamson mucking in to help pour some pints behind the bar. One of their own! ❤️ pic.twitter.com/Ci7CNsj1cw
— Girls on the Ball (@GirlsontheBall) May 1, 2023
The team news is here! Arsenal have made no changes to the squad who travelled to Germany for the first leg.
Arsenal: Zinsberger; Maritz, Wubben-Moy, Beattie, Rafaelle, Catley; Wälti, Maanum; McCabe, Blackstenius, Pelova.
Subs: D’Angelo, Marckese, Hurtig, Kühl, Wienroither, Goldie, Agyemang, Harbert, Reid.
Wolfsburg, meanwhile, have made one change but it is huge with Alexandra Popp in the starting line-up with Jule Brand benched.
Wolfsburg: Frohms; Wilms, Hendrich, Janssen, Rauch; Oberdorf; Roord; Huth, Popp, Jonsdottir; Pajor.
Subs: Kassen, Weiss, Agrež, Bremer, Demann, Wolter, Wedemeyer, Wassmuth, Brand, Hegering.
Preamble
Hello and welcome to the second leg of Arsenal and Wolfsburg’s Women’s Champions League semi-final. It will be an historic night this evening no matter the outcome as the women’s team has sold-out the Emirates for the first time.
The first leg ended 2-2 after a valiant comeback from Arsenal, who have a depleted squad with the likes of Kim Little, Leah Williamson and Beth Mead out with injury. The Gunners displayed they could get a result without their stars in that first leg though and today they will have the home advantage – and what an advantage it will be!
It will be a treat to see the Emirates rocking for the women’s team, a feat achieved after the club used the main stadium to host women’s matches in recent seasons. The slow build alongside a great marketing campaign has seen the Emirates sell-out and the extra support could cheer the team onto their first Champions League final since 2007.
Wolfsburg will be looking to upset the party especially with their star striker Alexandra Popp back available for selection. Speaking of team news, the line-ups will be announced shortly and so stay tuned ahead of kick-off at 5.45pm BST.
