Chelsea Women eliminate UWCL holders Lyon on penalties

Chelsea players celebrate victory in the penalty shoot-out. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)

Chelsea knocked holders Lyon out of the UEFA Women’s Champions League quarter-finals after a penalty shoot-out at Stamford Bridge.

It has been the most dramatic of conclusions, with Emma Hayes’ side set to bow out, until a VAR review awarded them a spot-kick at the end of extra time.

Maren Mjelde converted the penalty won by Lauren James to tie the aggregate scores and two saves in the subsequent shoot-out by Ann-Katrin Berger sent the Blues into a semi-final with Barcelona.

Vanessa Gilles earlier forced the extra half-hour with a 77th-minute breakthrough for the visitors, whose Sara Dabritz then doubled their lead on the night with 10 minutes to go, before penalty dramas got Chelsea level and eventually over the line in sudden-death.

Wolfsburg went through to face Arsenal, despite being held at home by Paris Saint Germain.

PSG’s Kadidiatou Diani had a goal ruled out by VAR before Alexandra Popp added to Wolfsburg’s 1-0 first leg lead.

Diani did later get on the score sheet but the French side could not find a crucial second goal.

Jon Grey appointed Wales Women’s Assistant Coach

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