Chelsea will play Barcelona in the Women’s Champions League semi-finals following a dramatic penalty shootout victory over holders Lyon at Stamford Bridge.
The west London side, who had a 1-0 advantage going into the game from the first leg, looked on the cusp of crashing out after Sara Dabritz doubled the visitors’ advantage following Vanessa Gilles’ 76th-minute goal.
But after a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review, referee Ivana Martincic ruled that Lauren James was brought down in the 18-yard box by Vicki Becho. Maren Mjelde stepped up in the dying moments of extra time to send the match to a penalty shootout.
James’ spot kick was saved by Lyon goalkeeper Christiane Endler, with all four of her Chelsea teammates scoring and goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger saving twice to send the Blues through.
Berger, 32, ran to the corner flag in celebration after she pushed away Lindsey Horan’s effort.
The result will go down as one of Chelsea’s biggest victories in recent history and they will join London rivals Arsenal in the semi-finals of the competition, who will play Wolfsburg.
GO DEEPER
Erin Cuthbert has an intense work ethic and delightful touch – but versatility is her key trait
(Photo: Getty Images)
 review, referee Ivana Martincic ruled that Lauren James was brought down in the 18-yard box by Vicki Becho. Maren Mjelde stepped up in the dying moments of extra time to send the...){kind=link}