Key moments
In a highly anticipated clash, Arsenal will face Chelsea in the first leg of the UEFA Women’s Champions League quarter-finals on March 24, 2026, at the Emirates Stadium. Kick-off is scheduled for 20:00 GMT, and the match promises to be a thrilling encounter between two of the top teams in women’s football.
Both teams come into this match with impressive recent form. Arsenal has scored a remarkable 20 goals in their last seven matches, conceding only one, showcasing their attacking prowess and defensive solidity. Meanwhile, Chelsea, who have dominated the Women’s Super League (WSL) with six consecutive titles, are eager to assert their dominance on the European stage.
Historically, Arsenal remains the only British club to have ever won the Champions League, achieving this feat in 2007. They added a second European title last season by defeating Barcelona, further solidifying their status in women’s football. In contrast, Chelsea has been a formidable force in the WSL, currently leading Arsenal by two points in the league standings.
As the teams prepare for this crucial encounter, the predicted lineups reveal the strength of both sides. Arsenal’s lineup is expected to feature van Domselaar, Fox, Wubben-Moy, Codina, McCabe, Little, Caldentey, Maanum, Smith, Blackstenius, and Russo, with Alessia Russo being the leading goalscorer in the 2025/26 Champions League with seven goals. On the other hand, Chelsea’s lineup may include Hampton, Bronze, Buchanan, Girma, Baltimore, Walsh, Cuthbert, Rytting Kaneryd, James, Kaptein, and Thompson, with Sam Kerr as their top scorer this term, netting ten goals across all competitions.
Renée Slegers, reflecting on the team’s preparation, noted, “It’s of course been a very short turnaround from the West Ham game, so we’ve had two full days to prepare.” This highlights the tight schedule both teams face as they gear up for such a significant match. Meanwhile, Chelsea’s manager Sonia Bompastor expressed the ambition of her squad, stating, “We are playing a big game, a Champions League quarter-final. We will be really ambitious and maintain our really high goals.”
The match will be officiated by Romanian referee Ionela Peşu, ensuring a neutral and fair oversight of the game. Fans can look forward to watching the match live on BBC Two and Disney+ in the UK, as the excitement builds around this crucial fixture.
With Arsenal’s last five meetings against Chelsea resulting in two wins, two losses, and one draw, the rivalry is fierce and closely contested. As both teams aim for victory in this knockout stage, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The outcome of this match could set the tone for the remainder of the Champions League campaign, making it a must-watch for football enthusiasts.
