The UEFA Women’s Champions League quarter-final first leg between Arsenal and Chelsea is scheduled for March 24, 2026, at 8:00 PM GMT at the Emirates Stadium in London. This highly anticipated match marks a significant moment in the tournament, as both teams aim to secure a strong position in the two-legged tie.
Arsenal, who have had a challenging journey through the group stage, dropped two of their opening three matches before regaining their form. They are currently aiming to win six consecutive Champions League games for the second time in their history, having previously achieved this feat in the 2012/13 season. In contrast, Chelsea finished third in the Champions League table to advance to the quarter-finals, showcasing their resilience and competitive spirit.
Key players for both teams will play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the match. Chelsea’s top scorer this season, Sam Kerr, has netted 10 goals across all competitions, while Arsenal’s Alessia Russo leads the Champions League with seven goals. The match is expected to be a tactical battle, with both teams having recorded the joint-most high turnovers in the Champions League this season, with 123 each.
Key moments
The match will be officiated by Romanian referee Alina Pesu, assisted by Daniela Constantinescu and Anita Vad. Arsenal will be without Leah Williamson, who is progressing well but is not yet ready to return, while Chelsea’s captain Millie Bright will also miss the match due to injury. These absences could impact both teams’ strategies as they prepare for the clash.
In the lead-up to the match, Arsenal coach Sonia Bompastor expressed her ambition, stating, “We are playing a big game, a Champions League quarter-final. We will be really ambitious and maintain our really high goals.” Meanwhile, Chelsea’s Renée Slegers acknowledged the short turnaround from their previous match against West Ham, indicating that the team has had limited time to prepare for this crucial encounter.
The match will be broadcast live on BBC Two and Disney+ in the UK, allowing fans to witness this exciting showdown between two of the top teams in women’s football. As both clubs gear up for this pivotal fixture, the atmosphere at the Emirates Stadium is expected to be electric, with supporters eager to see their teams compete at the highest level.
With Arsenal holding two games in hand over Chelsea in the Women’s Super League standings, the outcome of this match could have significant implications for both teams as they look to assert their dominance in European football. As the kickoff approaches, anticipation builds for what promises to be a thrilling encounter between these fierce rivals.
