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Arsenal experienced a remarkable conclusion to their European campaign last season. The European champions have now secured their place in the semi-finals of the Women's Champions League after a 3-2 aggregate victory over rivals Chelsea.
Despite suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday, Arsenal had already established a two-goal advantage from the first leg at the Emirates Stadium.
Renee Slegers' team delivered a confident performance, defending with determination, capitalizing on key moments, and maintaining composure to advance further in the competition.
The team appears comfortable on the biggest stage, and Slegers expressed her enthusiasm when asked about Arsenal's ongoing journey in European football.
"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'
Chelsea demonstrated strong competitiveness throughout both legs, creating numerous opportunities at Stamford Bridge.
At the Emirates, Alyssa Thompson and Lauren James struck the woodwork before Arsenal took the lead, while Veerle Buurman hit the post on Wednesday, shortly before teammate Sjoeke Nusken scored a late goal, which was insufficient for a comeback.
Nevertheless, Arsenal maintained control throughout the tie.
When momentum shifted in Chelsea's favor, Arsenal remained composed. They defended resolutely and effectively disrupted Chelsea's rhythm.
Arsenal capitalized on their chances, anticipating Chelsea's responses and preparing for the late-game intensity witnessed in west London.
In previous seasons, Chelsea were often described as the 'mentality monsters,' but Arsenal have exhibited considerable resilience.
This club has firmly established itself as a Champions League contender.
"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'
Slegers described Arsenal's second-leg performance as "unbelievable," highlighting the team's preparedness for the anticipated fightback from Chelsea.
Goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar returned to the starting lineup and delivered a remarkable performance, denying Sam Kerr on multiple occasions in the second half.
England defender Lotte Wubben-Moy provided stability in defense in the absence of Leah Williamson, and Arsenal remained composed despite fellow center-back Steph Catley leaving the field with a calf injury late in the first half.
In-form striker Alessia Russo showcased skillful play, using tricks and flicks to navigate pressure situations. The England international typically minimizes ball touches but adapted effectively when under duress.
Slegers emphasized the team's willingness to endure challenges to achieve their objectives.
"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 remarked that Arsenal were "better in big moments" and deserved to advance based on the overall 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 now aim to secure their place in the final by facing the winner of the Lyon versus Wolfsburg match, scheduled for Thursday night.
The final is set for 23 May in Oslo, Norway.
Ben Haines, Ellen White and Jen Beattie return for another season of the Women's Football Weekly podcast. New episodes are released every Tuesday on , featuring interviews and additional content from the Women's Super League and beyond on the Women's Football Weekly feed.
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