Slegers expecting Arsenal to have 'to battle' with Chelsea in Champions League

Renee Slegers is under no illusions that Arsenal's Women's Champions League quarter-final second leg against Chelsea is going to "be a battle".

Arsenal were 3-1 winners in the first leg, with goals from Stina Blackstenius, Chloe Kelly and Alessia Russo securing the victory despite Lauren James’ stunning strike.

It has put the reigning champions in a commanding position heading into the second leg at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday.

Arsenal have progressed through each of their last 13 Champions League two-legged knockout stage ties when winning the first leg, since losing to Umea IK in the 2008-09 quarter-finals.

The Gunners could reach their ninth semi-final in the competition, with Lyon (13 before 2025-26) reaching more.  

Arsenal have won their last two games against Chelsea in all competitions, and the last English team to win three or more straight meetings with the Blues were Manchester City in January 2018 (four).

Despite recent form, Slegers is not getting complacent and expects a tough test from the reigning Women’s Super League champions.

"It was a very tight game against Chelsea in the first leg, and we know it's going to be a battle tomorrow as well, so we have to be on it," she said.

"It's only half-time [in the tie], so there's a lot of work still to do for us, and that's how we're going to approach the game.

"Of course, we have a lot of experience in the group as players, as staff as well, how to manage different moments, and that's what we definitely want to bring to the game.

"I think there are always battles between us and Chelsea. If you see the games we've played so far against each other this season, it's always been a very tight game – and we know that will be the case tomorrow as well."

Chelsea, meanwhile, have lost each of their last three knockout stage matches in the Champions League, but they have never lost four in a row.

Despite that, the Blues will be aiming to be the first English team to reach the semi-final stage of the competition in four consecutive campaigns.  

Chelsea have had their injury problems in recent weeks, and Sonia Bompastor confirmed Millie Bright and Aggie Beever-Jones remain sidelined.

"Both are doing well in terms of recovery," Bompastor said. "We won't see them before the international break, but hopefully both will be back after the international break."

Sam Kerr and Ellie Carpenter also returned last time out, with the former making an immediate impact as she netted the first goal against Aston Villa last time out.

"It was really nice to have them back, especially coming into these really important games and big games for us," Bompastor added.

"It will bring a big boost in terms of confidence, and all three are really important and quality players for us.

"It's much more enjoyable when the manager has more players available for the game, and obviously, the quality they're bringing to the squad is huge."