Chelsea Dragon
Lucy Bronze Determined to Win ‘This’ With Chelsea as England Star Speaks of Lofty Ambitions
Lucy Bronze has set herself the challenge of delivering Champions League glory to Chelsea Women and emulating the historic success achieved by the men’s team. The England international admits European triumph remains the one major honour missing from the Blues’ trophy cabinet despite their domestic dominance in recent years.
Bronze spoke candidly about her desire to help Chelsea finally conquer Europe after they have fallen agonizingly short on multiple occasions. The serial winner hopes her vast experience can guide the Blues to the elusive trophy. They first face a daunting task to overturn a 3-1 first leg deficit against Arsenal on Wednesday to keep their dreams alive.
European Success Only Missing Piece
The 34 year old defender explained how Chelsea have come close to lifting the Champions League trophy without getting over the line. “It’s the one piece of silverware that’s just evaded the club; making the final, being so close in the semi finals and beating top teams in the Champions League, but not actually quite making it over the line,” Bronze stated.
She emphasized the importance of matching the legendary status of Chelsea’s male counterparts. The Champions League plays a huge part in the history of the men’s side, and it would be nice to get their hands on it.
Belief Key to Overturning Arsenal Deficit
Bronze remains confident Chelsea can overturn the two goal deficit against Arsenal. Having helped her previous teams come from behind in similar circumstances. Her European pedigree is unmatched, having won three consecutive titles with Lyon and becoming the first defender named UEFA Women’s Player of the Year in 2018-19.
The veteran believes psychological strength is paramount, insisting it’s not always the team that performs best throughout the season that comes out on top, but rather about sticking together and believing you can do it.
Chelsea Women host Arsenal Women at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday evening in the second leg of their UEFA Women’s Champions League quarter final. The Blues trail 3-1 from the first leg at the Emirates Stadium and face a daunting task to overturn the deficit against the defending champions, who are riding a nine match winning streak across all competitions.
Sonia Bompastor’s side got back to winning ways in the WSL on Saturday with a thrilling 4-3 victory over Aston Villa after falling behind early. Sam Kerr, Naomi Girma, and Lauren James all found the net before Sjoeke Nusken emerged as the hero with the decisive goal in a breathless encounter at Stamford Bridge.
Kick-off: 20:00 BST, Wednesday, April 1, 2026
Venue: Stamford Bridge, London
TV: BBC iPlayer and Disney+
Arsenal Cruising After Clinical First Leg Performance
Arsenal were ruthless at the Emirates last week, racing into a two goal halftime lead through Stina Blackstenius and Chloe Kelly before Alessia Russo restored their advantage after Lauren James had briefly given Chelsea hope with a stunning strike. The Gunners have won nine consecutive matches and demolished Tottenham 5-2 in Saturday’s north London derby.
Chelsea will need to produce a monumental performance to reach the semi finals after falling behind in this competition for the first time this season. The Blues finished third in the league phase before dispatching Barcelona and Roma, but now face elimination unless they can overturn a two goal deficit.
First Leg Defeat Increases Pressure on Bompastor
This represents the first meeting between Chelsea and Arsenal in the Champions League, though the sides have faced each other three times already this season. Arsenal won 2-0 at Stamford Bridge in January before both teams played out a 1-1 draw at the Emirates in November when Alyssa Thompson scored for Chelsea.
Chelsea’s last victory over the Gunners came in January 2025, when Guro Reiten’s late penalty secured a narrow 1-0 win. Bompastor desperately needs her side to produce their best performance of the season.
Predicted Lineups: Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Hampton; Bronze, Girma, Bright, Nouwen; Cuthbert, Nusken; James, Kaptein, Thompson; Kerr
Arsenal (4-3-3): van Domselaar; Fox, Williamson, Catley, McCabe; Little, Caldentey, Maanum; Kelly, Russo, Blackstenius
Chelsea Dragon
San Diego Wave Complete Transfer of USA Forward as Chelsea Striker Signs Contract Through 2030 Season in Record NWSL Deal
San Diego Wave have signed USA forward Catarina Macario from Chelsea on a contract through to the 2030 season. The transfer represents one of the biggest moves in NWSL history, with Macario heading home to California after a successful spell in the Women’s Super League, which is absolutely massive news.
Macario made 59 appearances and scored 15 goals for the Blues. Winning a WSL title in her first season at Chelsea and securing a domestic treble last term. The 26 year old becomes San Diego’s marquee signing as they look to build a championship winning team.
Really Excited to Begin Next Chapter
Macario spoke about her move to San Diego, expressing her delight at returning to California. “I’m really excited to join San Diego Wave FC and begin this next chapter of my career at home in San Diego. This city has played such an important role in my journey, and the opportunity to come back and represent it means a lot to me,” she said, which is frankly brilliant to hear.
The USA international previously spent time in San Diego. This makes the move particularly meaningful for her on a personal level. Wave fans will be thrilled to see a player of Macario’s calibre arrive at the club.
World Class Player Says Ashton
Sporting director and general manager Camille Ashton was full of praise for the new signing. “Cat is a world class player who has consistently performed at the highest levels of the game. She is an intelligent, technical, and creative attacker with exceptional vision and composure in the final third,” Ashton said.
She continued, “Her ability to unlock defenses and influence matches in multiple ways will further strengthen an already strong foundation as we continue building toward Championship success,” which demonstrates San Diego’s ambition to compete for silverware with Macario leading their attack in what promises to be an exciting new era for the club.
Also read: Millie Bright Aims for Summer Move to ‘This’ Team as Chelsea Captain Targets Return North
Chelsea resume their Women’s Champions League qualification bid when they take on Aston Villa at Kingsmeadow on Sunday afternoon. The Blues currently occupy third spot in the Women’s Super League table while the visitors are in eighth position, which sets up an important fixture for both clubs.
Chelsea are competing with Manchester United and Arsenal for the final two top three spots in the battle for Champions League qualification. The Blues slipped to third after being held to a 1-1 draw by London City Lionesses last weekend, leaving them a point adrift of United.
Kick-off: 12:00 GMT, Sunday, March 29, 2026
Venue: Kingsmeadow, London
TV: Sky Sports
Bjorn Out for Rest of Season
Chelsea defender Nathalie Bjorn will miss the rest of the season. She suffered an injury moments into her comeback in the League Cup final earlier this month. The Sweden international is joined on the sidelines by Mayra Ramirez, Catarina Macario, Niamh Charles, and Millie Bright, which is, frankly, a significant injury list.
Forward Aggie Beever Jones is at risk of missing a second consecutive game after picking up an injury last weekend. The Australian duo of Ellie Carpenter and Sam Kerr are available for selection. This return from the Asian Cup provides a huge boost.
Villa Missing Five Through Injury
Aston Villa remain without the services of Jill Baijings, Paula Tomas, Georgia Mullett, Gabi Nunes, and Rachel Daly. Former Liverpool midfielder Missy Bo Kearns is also unavailable after sharing the news of her pregnancy earlier this month.
Japan international Maja Hijikata is set to feature following her recent return from the Asian Cup in Australia. Villa travel to Kingsmeadow with renewed belief after taking four points from their last two matches, including a commendable goalless draw against Manchester City.
Predicted Lineups
Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Hampton; Carpenter, Girma, Buurman, Baltimore; Potter, Kaptein; Rytting Kaneryd, Nusken, Thompson; Kerr
Aston Villa (4-2-3-1): Roebuck; Wilms, Patten, Parker, Nighswonger; Jean-Francois, Taylor; Grant, Kendall, Maritz; Hanson
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