IFFHS WOMEN'S CONTINENTAL NEWS - UEFA
Picture : Ann Katrin Berger was the hero in Chelsea, saving two penalty shoots !
UEFA WOMEN’S CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
1 - Wolfsburg will face Arsenal in the Women's Champions League semi-finals after beating Paris Saint-Germain 2-1 on aggregate following a 1-1 draw at home yesterday. Two-time Champions League winners Wolfsburg took an early lead through star striker Alexandra Popp (picture down) but that was soon cancelled out by a Kadidiatou Diani equaliser.
The Wolves were unable to strike the winning goale despite dominating the second half, with Popp, Jonsdottir and Oberdorf touching 3 times the crossbar. Diani went down clutching her shoulder late in the first half and played no further part, depriving PSG of a forward focal point.
2 – For the first time since 2014, no French club will participate at the Semi finals !
It will be Chelsea to face Barcelona, the leader of the IFFHS Club World Ranking 2023, in the semi-final after a dramatic penalty shootout win over holders Lyon. After a 0-1 defeat in Lyon,the eight-time European champions from France forced extra-time after a narrow 1-0 win in the 90 minutes, before substitute Sara Dabritz struck in extra time. But Maren Mjelde ensured the tie went to penalties after she converted a last gasp spot-kick, following a debatable VAR review in the last second of the game !
In the ensuing shootout, Ann Katrin-Berger became the Blues hero as she saved twice, including Lyon's final spot kick from Lindsey Horan, as Chelsea triumphed 4-3 at Stamford Bridge.