Wolfsburg 2 – 2 Arsenal

Match report from the UWCL semi final fixture Wolfsburg vs Arsenal.

The 22,617 fans attending the match at Wolfsburg Arena were treated to a game that had everything. A much-depleted Arsenal team showed immense character to recover from going 2-0 down to bring this tie level.

In the week leading up to this fixture, Arsenal confirmed that captain Kim Little was ruled out for the remainder of the season. Then, disaster struck again during the deflating 1 – 0 loss to title rivals Manchester United, when acting captain Leah Williamson suffered an ACL rupture that left Arsenal with a threadbare squad.

Jonas Eidevall brought the experienced Jen Beattie into the starting line-up with Katie McCabe captaining the team. Arsenal looked set up to try and keep a strong Wolfsburg team at bay but two goals in five minutes stunned the section of Arsenal fans in Germany. Ewa Pajor added to her Champions League goal tally on the 19th minute after a period of pressure from the home team.

The next Wolfsburg goal came on the 24th minute when a mixup while trying to play out from the back was capitalised on. Jane Jonsdottir was a constant problem for the Arsenal side and she was in the right place to take advantage of the confusion.

Arsenal show dogged determination in an enthralling comeback

It looked like Arsenal’s Champions League dream could be coming to an end but a courageous comeback has given them everything to play for in the home game at the Emirates Stadium.

Brazilian Rafaelle Souza rose above the Wolfsburg defenders to power home a clinical header from Catley’s corner on the stroke of half-time. Going in with just one goal deficit at half-time was crucial for the belief of the team.

In the second half, Wolfsburg pushed for a third goal and came close on numerous attempts but it was Arsenal who claimed the all-important fourth goal of the game. Following a sublime ball from Wubben-Moy to find Pelova, the Dutch international’s cross was met by Blackstenius for a tap in to bring the score level.

Jen Beattie is no stranger to battles, having fought off cancer just a few years ago and her dominant display at the back for Arsenal won her the player of the match award. This Arsenal team doesn’t give up, even when the chips are down. All eyes are on the second leg at the Emirates Stadium, where home advantage might give the home team a 12th woman at a time where they really need one.

The winner of this tie will be rewarded with a place in the Champions League Final in Eindhoven against the winner of the Barcelona vs Chelsea match. Barcelona take a 1 – 0 advantage into that game.

Where to buy tickets for Arsenal vs Wolfsburg

You can buy tickets for the 2nd leg of the semi final at the Emirates Stadium from the Arsenal website.

Tickets cost just £12 for adults and £6 for concessions.