On Sunday 27 April, the two final rounds of the Champions League semi-finals were played to decide the finalists.
The first match of the day was played at Chelsea's home ground who were looking to avenge their 4-1 defeat to Barcelona last week. The Blues unfortunately had a bad start to the game, as Aitana Bonmati opened the scoring in the 25th minute, with Ewa Pajor and Claudia Pina adding to the tally before the end of the half.
Chelsea were not helped by the home ground or the change of sides. Salma Paralluelo added to the score at the end of regulation time. In injury time Wieke Kaptei reduced the deficit, but it didn't help Chelsea. Even the purchase of spring signings did not guarantee them the dream Champions League final and they will say goodbye in the semi-finals. Barcelona will play the Champions League for the fifth time with an overall record of 8:2.
Arsenal did not enter the game in Lyon as favourites. They came away from the Emirates with a 2-1 defeat. But their hopes came alive in the opening minutes of the match when the Canaries got their blood pumping from a corner kick. After goals from Caldentey, Russo and Foord, there was no doubt in anyone's mind that Arsenal were heading to Lisbon. In the 81st minute, Dumornay reduced the deficit for the home team, but this did not threaten the London club's victory.
Arsenal managed to turn the game around in the second leg for the second time in a row and after 18 years they will play the Champions League final as the only English club so far.
The final between Barcelona and Arsenal will be played on 24 May in Lisbon.
