Chelsea are through to the semi-finals of the Women’s Champions League after a memorable victory over holders Lyon at Stamford Bridge.
In a dramatic penalty shoot-out, goalkeeper Ann Cateren Berger made two superb saves to deny Lindsay Horan and Wendy Renard and wild celebrations in London.
It was an unusual end to a thrilling two-legged tie when Chelsea were awarded a penalty in the final seconds of extra-time, while trailing 2-1 on aggregate.
After a video assistant referee (VAR) review, referee Ivana Martensic deemed Lauren James had been fouled by Vicky Bicho and Marin Majalde stepped up under pressure to score the spot kick, setting up the shootout climax.
Lyon players and staff were furious, while the home fans were on their feet as Chelsea braced themselves for the success they craved and sealed a last four meeting with Barcelona.
After taking away Horan’s sudden death penalty, Berger raced to the corner flag in celebration and her teammate raced to join her.
It would go down as one of the greatest victories in Chelsea’s history as they would join English rivals Arsenal in the semi-finals.
Mouthwatering tie delivers in London.
Eight-time champions Lyon came to London trailing 1-0 after the first leg and forced extra time when Vanessa Gilles flicked a 77th-minute corner past Berger.
Chelsea began to tire as the game headed into extra time and Lyon took the lead through substitute Sarah Dibertz when she finished in the far corner after 110 minutes.
But Majalde’s controversial last-second penalty gave Emma Hayes’ side life and the Norwegians again took the first steps to convert into a shootout.
James, who won the extra-time spot-kick, was denied by Lyon goalkeeper Christian Endler when Berger saved Renard’s effort.
But Chelsea’s German keeper had the final say when he dived to his right to keep out Horan’s strike.
Lyon failed to progress beyond their second quarter-final in just 14 appearances, while Chelsea’s victory ensured two English clubs in the last four for the first time in five years.
Historic victory sets up Barcelona showdown
Having come away from France with a memorable win, Chelsea were in a strong position heading into the second leg, but knew they needed a gladiatorial performance.
Lyon, who have dominated European football for the past decade, came with serious intent and should have scored within minutes.
Delphine Cascarino forced a save from Berger, before Chelsea captain Magdalena Eriksson’s poor clearance set up Signe Bruin, but the Lyon striker clipped it over the bar.
The hosts finally got their act together and Sam Kerr had a wonderful chance when she slipped in a one-on-one with Endler, but the goalkeeper rose on top.
It felt inevitable that more chances would follow and they both came Lyon’s way – Gilles then Diberts silenced a nervous Stamford Bridge crowd.
Holders, who managed to challenge star striker Ada Hegerberg at half-time, still looked vulnerable, however, and as James finally dribbled into the box in injury-time, the supporters were on their feet with hope. were standing
Chelsea will now need to produce another giant slaying in the next round as Barcelona, who beat them in the 2021 final, lie in wait. Arsenal will face two-time champions Wolfsburg, who are likely to be in the All-English final.
