Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Stina Blackstenius scored the winning goal in last season's final
ByEmma SandersBBC Sport women’s football news reporter at Stamford Bridge- Published6 minutes ago
Arsenal had a fairytale ending in Europe last season - but can they produce something magical again?
The European champions secured their spot in the semi-finals of the Women's Champions League with a 3-2 aggregate victory over rivals Chelsea.
Despite a late 1-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday, Arsenal had already given themselves a two-goal advantage in the first leg at the Emirates.
It was an assured display from Renee Slegers' side as they defended bravely, were ruthless in the moments that mattered and held their nerve to progress.
They look at home on the main stage and Slegers could not hide her smile when asked if Arsenal were building more history.
"I think it's special to be a part of this. I really enjoy working with these people every day and the process we're in," said Slegers.
"The performances and the results that we're getting [is good] but it's the every day stuff for me. It's special. I think everyone feels this way about what we're doing at the moment.
"We can never get comfortable in this, even though we need to enjoy it. We have to keep on striving for more and better."
'The team invest so much'
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Media caption,Highlights as Arsenal edge past Chelsea to reach Champions League semi-finals
Chelsea were more than competitive across both legs and had their fair share of chances at Stamford Bridge.
Alyssa Thompson and Lauren James hit the woodwork at the Emirates before Arsenal took the lead, and Veerle Buurman did the same on Wednesday before team-mate Sjoeke Nusken found a breakthrough, albeit too late for a comeback.
However, Arsenal felt in control throughout the tie.
When momentum shifted in Chelsea's favour, Arsenal did not look rattled. They defended resolutely and did enough to disrupt the tempo of the game.
When chances came their way, Arsenal capitalised. They knew Chelsea would respond, but looked ready for the chaos that occured late on in west London.
In previous seasons, it was Chelsea who people described as the 'mentality monsters' but Arsenal have shown resilience in abundance.
This is a club who belong in the Champions League.
"Playing a game is never comfortable. But we have built some experience. I have as a coach, and the team has from the experiences we had last year and before that," said Slegers.
"How the team do everything together and invest so much, earning the right to be an Arsenal player every day, their humility and everything, that is why I'm so happy they get this.
"They work so hard and they deserve to get to the semi-finals of the Champions League. That's a dream for every player."
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'Suffering for something you love'
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Media caption,'We're extremely happy' - Little reacts as Arsenal reach Champions League semi-finals
Slegers described an "unbelievable performance" in the second leg because of the fightback Arsenal knew Chelsea would give.
Goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar returned to the starting XI and put in a stunning performance, denying Sam Kerr on several occasions in the second half.
England defender Lotte Wubben-Moy was a rock at the back in the absence of Leah Williamson and Arsenal were not shaken when fellow centre-half Steph Catley went off with a calf injury at the end of the first half.
In-form striker Alessia Russo was full of tricks and flicks. The England international usually keeps touches on the ball to a minimum but she did what it took to escape tricky situations when pressure was building.
Slegers said her team were prepared to "suffer" in order to get what they wanted and it paid off in the end.
"It's suffering for something you love. I think that's what the team did really well. They were prepared for a difficult scenario and for momentum shifts," she added.
"In the first 15 minutes, potentially at the end of the game when things changed again, they just stayed in the 'controlled middle', as we call it.
"They stayed in the game and were constantly in control of whatever scenario or momentum swing. They did their job. Mentally we were in control.
"Of course, we wanted to stop them getting chances and in an ideal world there are no shots but it was two really good teams going against each other."
Former England captain Steph Houghton said Arsenal were "better in big moments" and deserved to progress on the balance of the tie.
Brighton forward Fran Kirby added: "Arsenal allowed Chelsea to have the ball, they were comfortable in their block and defensively worked really hard.
"With the opportunities that they had, they could even have gone on and won the game, so they will be really proud of the performance.
"It showed a different side to Arsenal. It showed what they can do when they have to defend."
Arsenal will hope to book their place in the final when they take on the winner between Lyon and Wolfsburg - who play each other on Thursday night.
The final takes place on 23 May in Oslo, Norway.
Ben Haines, Ellen White and Jen Beattie are back for another season of the Women's Football Weekly podcast. New episodes drop every Tuesday on BBC Sounds, plus find interviews and extra content from the Women's Super League and beyond on the Women's Football Weekly feed
