Arsenal cannot prevent Wolfsburg making final

Goals from Selina Wagner and captain Nadine Kessler booked debutants VfL Wolfsburg a berth in next month's UEFA Women's Champions League final at Stamford Bridge despite a brave effort from Arsenal LFC.

A crowd of 8,173 came to the VfL Wolfsburg Arena with high hopes following a 2-0 win at Arsenal last week and they were not disappointed. An early goal from Wagner settled nerves and although Kim Little levelled the second leg after the break, Kessler ensured Wolfsburg a 23 May decider against Olympique Lyonnais.

Wolfsburg controlled the opening stages of the game and came close to scoring when Luisa Wensing sent a ball wide to Wagner – in for the suspended Alexandra Popp – but her effort went over the bar. Arsenal responded well three minutes later, Alisa Vetterlein forced to deny Ellen White.

Emma Byrne saved a Conny Pohlers header as Wolfsburg increased the pressure and a Verena Faisst cross found Wagner, who nodded in from 11 metres out to make Arsenal's task even more difficult. Arsenal fought for an immediate equaliser, but Jordan Nobbs's shot went over the bar.

A cross from Anna Blässe found Pohlers who forced another Byrne save, Wagner missed the rebound. The long Wolfsburg crosses were a constant threat for the Arsenal defenders, Pohlers heading wide after 38 minutes. And the hosts created more opportunities, Martina Müller ran onto a pass from Kessler, but her shot went wide.

The visitors had the first opportunity of the second half as Little's pass found White, but her effort missed the target. However, Wolfsburg were still the more dangerous side, and Wagner hit the bar after a Pohlers delivery.

Nevertheless Little gave Arsenal hope, combining with Nobbs and finishing precisely from 20 metres. White could have scored a second shortly after, but her effort missed the target.

However, Wolfsburg soon put the tie beyond Arsenal after Little handled in the box. Byrne, taking her competition record appearance tally to 71, saved Kessler’s spot kick but the skipper smashed in the rebound. Arsenal kept pushing and White again had chances, while substitute Jennifer Beattie was frustrated by Vetterlein while at the other end Lina Magull and Müller went  close.

Wolfsburg were through, however, Viola Odebrecht was left with tears in her eyes as a booking means she is suspended for the final.