Image source, Getty Images. By. Emma Sanders. BBC Sport women’s football news reporter at Stamford Bridge. 7 hours 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’. 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.”. Bompastor angry with VAR after McCabe hair pull. 7 hours ago. ‘Suffering for something you love’. 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
