Arsenal vs Wolfsburg - LIVE!

Arsenal’s dream of reaching a first Women’s Champions League final since their 2007 triumph came to an end after Pauline Bremer’s extra-time goal saw Wolfsburg beat the Gunners 5-4 on aggregate.

The hosts opened the scoring through Stina Blackstenius in front of 60,063 at the Emirates Stadium - a record for a women’s club game in this country - but the strike was cancelled out by former Gunner Jill Roord before half-time, as she fired home from the edge of the box. Wolfsburg skipper Alexandra Popp pulled the break, but Arsenal responded as Jen Beattie, moved up front, headed home an equaliser and forced extra time.

Katie McCabe came inches away from winning it for the Gunners when she her attempted cross bounced back off the woodwork, but it would be heartbreak for Arsenal as Lotte Wubben-Moy’s error was punished in the 119th minute and Wolfsburg set up a final date with Barcelona.

Arsenal vs Wolfsburg latest news

• GOAL! Bremer stuns Arsenal in final seconds of ET

• GOAL! Beattie levels tie up again

• GOAL! Popp nods Wolfsburg ahead

• GOAL! Roord gets Wolfsburg level

• GOAL! Blackstenius puts Arsenal in front

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21:36 , Matt Verri

For so long this looked like it was going to be an historic night for Arsenal, but in the end it was a painful one.

Their Women’s Champions League journey is over and in the cruelest of ways too as Wolfsburg won this semi-final right at the death.

After 180 minutes of football across two legs, the sides could not be separated and penalties were beckoning with the tie locked at 4-4 on aggregate.

Wolfsburg, however, had other ideas and forward Jule Brand robbed Lotte Wubben-Moy of the ball before crossing for Pauline Bremer to score in the 119th minute.

It was heartbreak for Arsenal, who had battled through an injury crisis to make it this far only to fall at the final hurdle.

Read Simon Collings’ full analysis here

Reaction from the Arsenal camp

20:52 , Matt Verri

Simon Collings at the Emirates

20:35 , Matt Verri

Heartbreak for Arsenal as their Champions League dream ends right at the death. Incredible effort to get this far given injuries.

Big challenge now to regroup in WSL and ensure they qualify for next season’s WCL.

Cruel finish...

20:31 , Matt Verri

FT: Arsenal 2-3 Wolfsburg (agg 4-5)

20:28 , Matt Verri

Wolfsburg are through to the Champions League final, where they will face Barcelona.

Arsenal were seconds away from penalties, but a late error has cost them dearly. Devastating defeat.

20:28 , Matt Verri

120+4 mins: Arsenal in full ‘kick everything that moves’ mode. Frustration very clear.

They’ve been so impressive tonight, horrible way for them to lose this.

Simon Collings at the Emirates

20:26 , Matt Verri

That’s so cruel on Wubben-Moy, who has been excellent tonight. Such a painful way for Arsenal to lose it.

20:25 , Matt Verri

120+2 mins: Arsenal surely should have a corner... but a goal-kick is given. That could be that.

Looks like it was actually offside. Roord and McCabe clash in midfield, referee swiftly over to put a stop to that.

20:24 , Matt Verri

120 mins: Three minutes added on.

Emirates crowd doing their best to roar Arsenal on. Still just about time.

GOAL! Arsenal 2-3 Wolfsburg | Pauline Bremer 119'

20:22 , Matt Verri

WOLFSBURG HAVE WON IT!

Horrible moment. Wubben-Moy tries to run out with the ball, gets robbed of the ball. Brand squares it and Brember has a tap-in.

Heartbreak.

20:18 , Matt Verri

115 mins: Arsenal free-kick, this could be their best chance. Beattie up for it, still trying to stretch that cramp away. Maanum swings the ball in, Popp back in her own six-yard box to flick the header away.

Out to McCabe, back in... OFF THE BAR! Inches away from the cross finding the far corner.

20:16 , Matt Verri

112 mins: Wolfsburg inches away!

Arsenal can’t clear the ball, Bremer free in the box and absolutely has to score. Drags the shot wide.

Huge, huge let-off for Arsenal.

20:14 , Matt Verri

111 mins: A real waste from Arsenal, who had opened Wolfsburg up.

Palova into space, has options left and right. Goes to the right where Maanum is in space, but it’s a wild effort slashed miles over the bar.

Simon Collings at the Emirates

20:13 , Matt Verri

Beattie down with cramp in both legs. Arsenal look dead on their feet. I fear a sucker punch from Wolfsburg.

20:13 , Matt Verri

109 mins: Brand has her first run with the ball, skips past McCabe and has space to put a cross into the box.

Can only clip the ball straight to Zinsberger though, should have done better. Beattie has gone down again with cramp.

20:10 , Matt Verri

107 mins: Maanum has had a sensational game. Another great run down the right as she holds up the ball, but the cross is then overhit and straight out of play.

Neither side really committing to pushing for a winner.

Up and running again!

20:08 , Matt Verri

Eidevall marches all the way to the other side of the pitch with Wubben-Moy and Beattie as they take up their positions at centre-back.

Arsenal boss reluctantly has to return to the touchline. Back underway in extra-time.

HT: Arsenal 2-2 Wolfsburg (agg 4-4)

20:06 , Matt Verri

105 down, 15 to go.

Penalties coming into greater focus at the Emirates...

20:05 , Matt Verri

105 mins: One minute added on.

It’s gone very quickly. Hurtig’s chance pretty much the only opportunity of the 15 minutes.

Simon Collings at the Emirates

20:04 , Matt Verri

You sometimes come to women’s game and get the sense the crowd isn’t fully engaged, with Mexican waves and iPhone torches galore.

Not tonight, though. Everyone here on edge.

20:03 , Matt Verri

104 mins: Eidevall screaming at Maanum to hold the ball up as it’s lobbed towards her. She does more than that, brilliant turn and she’s away down the right.

Ball in behind, Hurtig can’t get there but Wolfsburg can only launch it out of play.

20:01 , Matt Verri

101 mins: Wolfsburg turn to their bench again. Brand comes on, replacing Jonsdottir. Not a bad change to make!

This is all getting very nervy, next goal probably wins it.

19:59 , Matt Verri

99 mins: This is a great spell from the Gunners, crowd are responding too. Down the left this time and they win a corner.

Bit of a mess in the box, bundled over the line as Wubben-Moy throws herself at the ball and then fires home. Whistle had gone for a foul though.

19:57 , Matt Verri

98 mins: Almost for Arsenal!

As close as either side have come in extra-time. Maanum fires the low cross in, Hurtig gets across to the near post but it’s a great save to deny her.

19:55 , Matt Verri

95 mins: Been a good start to extra-time from Arsenal. They’ve had most of the ball, and had decent success pushing Wolfsburg back.

Still fairly cagey though, neither side wanting to risk too much with it still in the balance.

19:51 , Matt Verri

92 mins: Wolfsburg were out and ready for extra-time a fair while before the Gunners. If we’re going on just how the players look, it’s advantage Wolfsburg.

Arsenal threatening though, Kuhl very nearly getting on the end of a loose ball in the box. Visitors just about hack it clear.

Back underway!

19:49 , Matt Verri

Up and running at the start of extra-time.

19:48 , Matt Verri

All hands on deck on the touchline. Miedema among the injured Arsenal stars offering their advice to those on the pitch.

Sold out crowd at the Emirates being treated to some drama this evening!

Simon Collings at the Emirates

19:45 , Matt Verri

Got to wonder what Arsenal have left in the tank as we head for extra-time here. Few of them were down in the closing stages there.

Squad already so thin.

FT: Arsenal 2-2 Wolfsburg (4-4 agg)

19:44 , Matt Verri

To extra-time we go!

Again it’s 2-2 after 90 minutes, leaving it level on aggregate. Huge effort from the Gunners to take it this far.

19:42 , Matt Verri

90+5 mins: Getting a bit nervy for Arsenal. Jonsdottir with another run, wins Wolfsburg a corner.

Fired to the near post, Wolfsburg want another corner but it’s a goal-kick. Arsenal very relieved.

19:40 , Matt Verri

90+3 mins: Jonsdottir has had a pretty quiet half, but she tries to beat McCabe on the outside. Arsenal captain gets her body in the way and sees the ball out of play, brilliant defending.

Here come Wolfsburg again though, down the right. Rafaelle gets her foot in and swiftly halts that.

19:38 , Matt Verri

90 mins: Seven minutes added on! Still a long way to go before we get to extra-time.

A second Wolfsburg change, as Huth is replaced by Bremer.

19:37 , Matt Verri

89 mins: Maanum wins a corner, it’s Arsenal coming on strong in the closing stages here. Wolfsburg haven’t offered much in attack in the last ten minutes or so.

Wubben-Moy, Beattie and Rafaelle standing close to each other. It’s towards Beattie, headed out to McCabe. She fires it low back into the box, Maanum at the back post can’t turn it at goal.

19:35 , Matt Verri

88 mins: Popp clatters into Pelova, takes the ball and the Arsenal players as she wins the header. Free-kick.

Still only one change from Wolfsburg, who have a strong bench. Feels like they’d have a real advantage if this does go to extra-time.

19:34 , Matt Verri

86 mins: Beattie down now. Maybe just cramp, doesn’t look too serious.

She trudges over to the touchline, but appears that she’ll be fine to continue. Beth Mead among those sat behind the Arsenal substitutes offering her encouragement.

19:32 , Matt Verri

84 mins: Going to be a lot of stoppage-time, with the injury issues and VAR checks we’ve had.

Arsenal win a free-kick, floated into the box. Beattie was lurking again, but this time it’s headed clear before she can get on the end of it.

19:29 , Matt Verri

81 mins: Wienroither stretchered off, have to hope it’s not as serious as it looks.

Kuhl introduced for the Gunners, will get at least ten minutes. Maybe more, with this heading to extra-time as it stands.

Simon Collings at the Emirates

19:27 , Matt Verri

Another injury for Arsenal. Can you believe it? Wienroither was in agony there and had no one around her. Looked bad.

19:26 , Matt Verri

78 mins: Another shambles of a VAR check eventually comes to nothing. Waste of everyone’s time.

More important is that Wienroither is down and in real pain, holding her knee. Team-mates swiftly over to comfort her, they look worried too.

Simon Collings at the Emirates

19:24 , Matt Verri

VAR does it’s best to suck the joy out of football. What a shocking advert for it today. Imagine if this was one of your first games?

GOAL! Arsenal 2-2 Wolfsburg | Jen Beattie 76'

19:23 , Matt Verri

AND IT WORKS!

Arsenal are level! Wubben-Moy swings a cross in, Beattie in the middle wins the header and finds the bottom corner.

All square again.

19:21 , Matt Verri

74 mins: Beattie has gone up front for Arsenal, leaving them vulnerable at the back. Needs must though.

Still probably at least 20 minutes to go, including stoppage-time. The Gunners don’t need to panic yet.

19:20 , Matt Verri

72 mins: Zinsberger fine to continue.

Wolfsburg look well capable of putting this to bed on the break. Space will be there for them.

Maanum has a shot blocked, but Wolfsburg go straight up the other end. Pajor is in, but Wubben-Moy back brilliantly to slide in and block the shot. Offside flag eventually goes up.

Simon Collings at the Emirates

19:18 , Matt Verri

Zinsberger down injured, although it’s more of a time-out from Arsenal.

They have done this all season and Eidevall calls a team talk as the goalkeeper receives treatment.

19:17 , Matt Verri

69 mins: Massive chance!

That could be huge. Arsenal cut open, Huth played clean through on goal.

Looks to be plenty of space to put it into the far corner, but the finish is dragged wide. Had to score.

19:15 , Matt Verri

68 mins: Have to say it’s been fairly comfortable for Wolfsburg since they took the lead. Arsenal not really able to build much pressure.

Popp is having a brilliant game, as ever. Dropping deep and helping the visitors get some control on the ball.

19:12 , Matt Verri

65 mins: Maritz and Blackstenius off, Hurtig and Wienroither on. Those are the two Arsenal changes.

Maanum into a more advanced role for the hosts - bold call to take Blackstenius off.

19:11 , Matt Verri

64 mins: Eidevall is prowling around his technical area, considering his options. Still plenty of time for his side to get the goal they need to level things up.

Rafaelle a bit too keen to win the ball back, needless free-kick on halfway.

19:09 , Matt Verri

61 mins: Crowd trying to rally their side, as the Gunners knock the ball around at the back. Wolfsburg happy to sit back now.

Not a huge amount of strength in depth on that Arsenal bench, but they’re going to need someone to step up.

Maanum tries her luck from distance, catches it well but straight at the goalkeeper.

Simon Collings at the Emirates

19:07 , Matt Verri

We saw how dangerous Popp was last summer when she shone at Euro 2022.

A huge goal from the Wolfsburg captain and finally the Emirates is silenced.

GOAL! Arsenal 1-2 Wolfsburg (3-4 agg) | Alex Popp 59'

19:06 , Matt Verri

The Emirates is silenced!

Corner to the near post, Popp has too much space and she flicks the header home at the near post.

19:05 , Matt Verri

58 mins: Wolfsburg are looking really threatening now, in behind again and Rafaelle does well to get back and concede the corner.

Bobbles around in the box, Zinsberger doesn’t claim. Cleared off the line as the header comes in!

Pajor in again, Catley slides in and it will be another corner.

Simon Collings at the Emirates

19:04 , Matt Verri

Can feel the game beginning to get stretched now as we enter the final 35 minutes or so.

The two benches will be key, but Wolfsburg’s is far more stacked than Arsenal’s.

19:03 , Matt Verri

56 mins: Both sides continue to look dangerous when they come forward.

Imagine at some point it might get a bit nervier and a bit tighter, as both sides look to ensure they don’t lose it inside 90 minutes.

19:00 , Matt Verri

53 mins: Beattie also now in the book, turned by Pajor and brings her down. Not sure the Wolfsburg striker would have got to that pass anyway.

Free-kick swung in, headed out. Popp loops it back in, Zinsberger out to claim but it bounces straight over her head! Fortunately for Arsenal, it dribbles wide.

18:57 , Matt Verri

50 mins: Great play from McCabe out wide, keeps the ball in play and then turns out of trouble. Huth brings her down with a very clumsy challenge and that’s a yellow card.

Right in front of the Arsenal bench, safe to say Eidevall and his staff made their feelings be known.

RULED OUT!

18:56 , Matt Verri

No goal.

VAR keen to get involved again and it’s ruled out for offside. Wolfsburg survive, it remains 3-3 on aggregate.

GOAL! Arsenal 2-1 Wolfsburg | Stina Blackstenius 47'

18:54 , Matt Verri

ARSENAL BACK IN FRONT!

What a start to the second-half for the Gunners! Blackstenius has her second, superb move started by a glorious pass from Maanum.

Back underway!

18:52 , Matt Verri

Up and running for the second-half at the Emirates.

18:50 , Matt Verri

So we’ve had 135 minutes of this semi-final tie, nothing to split them. Still 45 minutes to go, though that might not be enough.

Wolfsburg definitely grew into the match after falling behind, probably fair to say they deserved the equaliser as they grew in confidence. Arsenal have to try and get back on the front foot.

18:45 , Matt Verri

But, they’ve been pegged back.

Wolfsburg put the ball into the box, it fell for Roord and she did the rest. Safe to say she enjoyed that against her former club...

18:41 , Matt Verri

Arsenal made the perfect start to the match, as Blackstenius pounced on some poor defending.

She didn’t need a second invitation, taking it past the goalkeeper and leaving herself with a simple finish.

HT: Arsenal 1-1 Wolfsburg (agg 3-3)

18:38 , Matt Verri

And that’s half-time.

Entertaining first 45 minutes at the Emirates, and it’s still level on aggregate.

Blackstenius put the Gunners in front, but Roord has got Wolfsburg back on terms. All to play for.

18:36 , Matt Verri

45+4 mins: Jonsdottir takes on about four Arsenal players and beats them all for pace, sensational run as she cuts inside and drives into the box.

Creates the space for the shot, catches it decently enough but straight at Zinsberger. Arsenal might want to just bring her down next time...

18:35 , Matt Verri

45+3 mins: Arsenal free-kick, great delivery from Maanum and it’s nodded behind for a corner, with Wubben-Moy lurking at the back post.

Pelova swings this in, another dangerous ball in but good goalkeeping to clear.

18:32 , Matt Verri

45+1 mins: Those long VAR checks mean we have five minutes added on at the end of the first half.

Catley called into action to slide in on Pajor, who was very nearly clean through on goal for Wolfsburg.

18:30 , Matt Verri

44 mins: Wow, that was tight.

Ball over the Arsenal defence, three green shirts running onto it but Zinsberger just about gets there first as she flies off her line. Could have been disastrous.

Simon Collings at the Emirates

18:29 , Matt Verri

The reaction to that goal was similar to what we have seen this season when the men’s team play here.

There was a moments pause, and then the volume went up as the supporters got behind the team.

GOAL! Arsenal 1-1 Wolfsburg | Jill Roord 41'

18:28 , Matt Verri

Maritz picks up the first yellow card of the match, as she drags Popp back. Can’t complain about that one.

And Wolfsburg are level! Ball launched into the box, falls for Roord on the edge of the area and she fires home an equaliser.

18:26 , Matt Verri

40 mins: Roord briefly in space on the halfway line, turns and looks to run at the defence but Wubben-Moy swiftly arrives and slides in on her former team-mate. Brilliant challenge.

Visitors win it back, Huth stands a cross up but it’s easy for Zinsberger to claim.

18:23 , Matt Verri

37 mins: Arsenal need to be careful here ahead of half-time, Wolfsburg having their best spell.

They win their first corner, Popp picked out at the back post but she’s a long way out and the header floats harmlessly wide.

18:22 , Matt Verri

36 mins: Huth with a nice run down the sides of the Arsenal defence, Wubben-Moy doesn’t get across quick enough and the ball comes in.

Pajor unable to bring it down cleanly at first, but comes back to her and she gets the shot away. Blocked and loops up nicely for Zinsberger.

18:21 , Matt Verri

34 mins: McCabe wins another corner for Arsenal, she’s having a brilliant game.

Deep this time, Frohms a bit more convincing in flicking this one away as she comes off her line.

Simon Collings at the Emirates

18:18 , Matt Verri

Jonas Eidevall up and down constantly on the Arsenal bench, kicking every ball and making every tackle.

His assistant getting involved too, turning to the crowd and asking for more noise.

18:18 , Matt Verri

31 mins: Wolfsburg starting to pin Arsenal back, ball into the box and Popp tries to swing a boot at it as she loses her balance. Can’t connect properly.

Cheers from the stands as the visitors then play it straight out of play out wide.

18:16 , Matt Verri

29 mins: Pelova over to take this corner. Swung into the near post, Wilms slices it out and Arsenal will get another chance.

Better delivery this time, Frohms just about palms it away. Comes back in, Blackstenius has space but her shot is fairly comfortable for the goalkeeper.

18:14 , Matt Verri

28 mins: McCabe back up and fine to continue.

Arsenal continue to be fairly direct overall, looking to exploit any space in behind the Wolfsburg defence.

Here is McCabe, pouncing on a loose pass. All the way up the pitch and wins a corner for the hosts.

18:13 , Matt Verri

26 mins: Arsenal could really do without this. McCabe has gone down, holding her right ankle and she’ll need some treatment.

Got a kick as she challenged for the ball, hopefully not too serious for the Arsenal captain.

18:10 , Matt Verri

24 mins: Maanum has already had a couple of lovely touches in midfield, so composed. This time the Arsenal counter breaks down though.

Wolfsburg swing the ball into the Arsenal box, falls for Roord and she drags an effort wide.

18:08 , Matt Verri

21 mins: Really good from Rafaelle, intercepting the ball as Pajor looked to play the ball out wide.

Very little from Popp so far, hasn’t been able to get involved yet on her return to the side.

18:04 , Matt Verri

18 mins: It’s all Arsenal. Pelova very nearly in on goal for the Gunners, door is slammed shut by Hendrich.

Ball comes out to Maritz, edge of the box and in space but she lashes the shot over the bar. At the other end, Wilms fires at goal from a mile out... parried away.

18:02 , Matt Verri

15 mins: Arsenal full of confidence since the goal, they can take real control of this tie here.

Sun is shining, Arsenal in front... life is good for the hosts in north London!

Simon Collings at the Emirates

18:00 , Matt Verri

The noise has gone up a level after that goal. A high-pitch shrill erupting anytime Arsenal get near the Wolfsburg goal. Deafening.

18:00 , Matt Verri

Goal given!

No idea what was being checked, but eventually Arsenal get the all clear. They lead 3-2 on aggregate.

17:59 , Matt Verri

VAR checking for a foul.

Determined to kill the mood this evening, it would appear.

GOAL! Arsenal 1-0 Wolfsburg | Stina Blackstenius 11'

17:58 , Matt Verri

ARSENAL TAKE THE LEAD!

Massive moment! Ball played in behind the Wolfsburg defence, it’s a real mess as the goalkeeper comes off her line and Blackstenius gets there first, taps into the empty net.

17:56 , Matt Verri

10 mins: Eidevall in the dugout usually occupied by Arteta, and he’s doing the Spaniard proud. Almost on the pitch as he appeals for a free-kick to be given, eventually gets his wish.

Arsenal starting to come into it a bit more, settling themselves down as they play the ball out from the back under pressure.

17:54 , Matt Verri

7 mins: Wolfsburg have made the better start, seeing plenty of the ball.

Haven’t done much with it yet though, beyond that thrilling three-minute check for a potential handball.

Simon Collings at the Emirates

17:52 , Matt Verri

The crowd here treated to the joys of VAR. What a treat for all the young kids and families. Start them young and they’ll learn to hate it forever.

17:52 , Matt Verri

5 mins: This is taking an absolute age.

Anyway... no penalty! Referee has a look, and another look, and another look, but decides it’s not handball. Arsenal survive.

Although looks like it might have been offside in the build-up anyway. That was fun.

17:50 , Matt Verri

4 mins: Saying that, play has been paused for a VAR check. McCabe less than impressed.

Nothing like a long old check to kill the atmosphere inside the stadium. Ball has hit Wubben-Moy’s arm... the wait goes on.

Referee is over to look at the monitor!

17:49 , Matt Verri

2 mins: Wolfsburg with plenty of early possession, Arsenal happy to sit back in their shape.

Popp whips a cross into the box, bounces around and looks to have hit Wubben-Moy’s hand, but never getting a penalty for that.

KICK-OFF!

17:47 , Matt Verri

Underway in the second leg of this semi-final tie!

Simon Collings at the Emirates

17:45 , Matt Verri

The Arsenal side meet for one last huddle in the pitch before kick-off. McCabe leading the talk.

A massive crowd here. If Arsenal start fast, they can get the Emirates rocking.

17:44 , Matt Verri

This anthem could do with a lot of work. Not the best, to put it mildly.

Anyway, that’s done and so are the handshakes. Time to get up and running in north London.

Here we go!

17:41 , Matt Verri

Teams will be in the tunnel any minute now. Brilliant atmosphere already being produced by the 60,000 inside the stadium.

Chelsea were unable to book their place in the final - can Arsenal ensure there is English representation?

It’s very nearly time to find out!

Familiar faces in the building...

17:35 , Matt Verri

Rallying cry from Lotte Wubben-Moy

17:32 , Matt Verri

“I know how much help I gave to the men’s players when I was a young girl.

“I hope every Gooner there will channel their inner young Gooner and scream their hearts out, because I know that’s what we deserve.”

McCabe: Arsenal have leaders everywhere

17:25 , Matt Verri

Katie McCabe is once again wearing the captain’s armband this evening, with Kim Little and Leah Williamson out with injury.

The 27-year-old insists the leadership will not just come from her though, with leaders “everywhere” in the Arsenal squad.

“Unfortunately our captain and vice-captain have suffered long-term injuries,” McCabe told the Daily Mail.

“I’d rather them be on the pitch and them wearing the armband but for now it’s a privilege to lead a club like Arsenal out. I’m going to give all I can in the role.

“I think the character we have in this team and the mentality to go and comeback, we’ve seen it a couple of times this season. We know we’ve got quality in our team. We’ve got fantastic leaders all across the pitch. We’ve got leaders everywhere.”

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