Wolfsburg with scoring Roord at the expense of Arsenal to Champions League final

Thanks in part to a goal by Jill Roord, VfL Wolfsburg has qualified for the final of the Women’s Champions League, which will be played in Eindhoven on June 3. The German team won 2-3 against Arsenal in London after extension, following last week’s 2-2 draw at home.

In addition to Roord, Oranje internationals Dominique Janssen and Lynn Wilms were also in the starting lineup at Wolfsburg. Victoria Pelova played at Arsenal, where Vivianne Miedema is out for a long time with a cruciate ligament injury.

Wolfsburg already won the Champions League in 2013 and 2014 and lost the final three times since then. Barcelona won the biggest club prize two years ago and was a losing finalist last season.

For the first time, Emirates Stadium, which has capacity for 60,063 spectators, was sold out for a match of Arsenal’s women’s team.

Supporters were able to cheer early on. In the 11th minute, Stine Blackstenius provided the opening goal. The Swedish striker took advantage of a misunderstanding between Wolfsburg defender Kathrin Hendrich and goalkeeper Merle Frohms.

Shortly before halftime, Roord scored the tying goal. The midfielder, who played for Arsenal between 2019 and 2021, was in the right place at a free kick from the side to shoot in a deflected ball.

Wolfsburg captain Alexandra Popp provided the German lead in the 58th minute by heading in a corner kick from close range. The 2-2 also fell from a standard situation. At an Arsenal free kick, defender Jennifer Beattie finally headed in.

Arsenal defender Laura Wienroither had to be taken off the field by stretcher with what appeared to be a serious knee injury. Earlier this season, the club already lost three star players (Miedema, Beth Mead and Leah Williamson) with a torn cruciate ligament.

Why is it that there are so many serious knee injuries in women’s soccer? We made this explainer about it earlier this year.

In the extension, both teams had chances to win. Wolfsburg substitute Pauline Bremer shot narrowly wide and Katie McCabe hit the crossbar on behalf of Arsenal, with a shot intended as a cross.

In the 119th minute, Bremer provided the decision. She tapped the ball in after a cross from Jule Brand, who captured the ball after a blunder in Arsenal’s build-up.