Chelsea held high hopes of making it to the Women’s Champions League final this year, but their dreams were dashed by a resilient Lyon side in a nail-biting semi-final. Despite fighting hard to secure a 1-1 draw in the first leg, Chelsea fell behind early on in the second leg through a Daniëlle van de Donk strike. However, the Blues pulled level thanks to an equaliser from Ji So-yun, before Maren Mjelde controversially scored from the penalty spot to give Chelsea the lead. Despite a late rally from Lyon, Chelsea held their nerve to force the match to penalties, but they were ultimately unsuccessful, with Lyon winning 4-3 on spot-kicks.
Chelsea produced a stunning performance to beat holders Lyon on penalties, booking their place in the Women’s Champions League semi-finals. Lyon had looked to be cruising after Sara Dabritz fired them into a 2-0 lead in the second half of extra-time, adding to a goal from Vanessa Gilles in normal time and overturning a one-goal deficit from the first leg. However, deep into injury time, Lauren James went down in the area after a challenge from Vicki Becho and referee Ivana Martincic was instructed by the VAR to look at the pitchside monitor. The referee subsequently pointed to the spot, and substitute Maren Mjelde levelled the tie on aggregate by converting the penalty with aplomb. The match eventually went to penalties, and Ann-Katrin Berger’s decisive save from Lindsey Horan saw Chelsea go through to face Barcelona in the next round.
Eight-time winners Lyon were left feeling they had been let down by the officials over the crucial penalty decision. However, Chelsea boss Emma Hayes backed the referee’s call, stating that James had confirmed it was the correct decision. While Lyon might feel aggrieved, Chelsea’s gritty performance deservedly earned them a place in the last four of the competition.
In a tense and dramatic encounter, Chelsea’s European dream came crashing to an end at Kingsmeadow. Despite a valiant effort from Emma Hayes’ side, Lyon held their nerve in the penalty shootout to secure their place in the final. However, the game will be remembered for the controversial decision that ultimately cost Chelsea their place in the final. Maren Mjelde’s spot kick sparked heated debate and discussion, but ultimately, Lyon prevailed. The Blues can hold their heads high after a brave and battling display, and will no doubt come back even stronger next season.
