Anita Asante excited about possible ‘massive’ all-English Champions League final

Former Arsenal and Chelsea defender Anita Asante says an historic Champions League final between the sides would be another “massive” moment in the ongoing growth of the English women’s game.

May could witness the competition’s first all-English final, with the Blues and Gunners last week advancing to last-four ties against Barcelona and Lyon respectively.

After Arsenal won it in 2007, no English team reached the final until 2021 when Chelsea were runners-up.

That was followed by England claiming a maiden major trophy at the Euros in 2022 – a title they defend this summer – and making a first World Cup final in 2023.

Asante, who was part of Arsenal’s 2007 success against Sweden’s Umea and had two spells with Chelsea in her playing career, told the PA news agency: “I think it’d be a massive deal in terms of again reflecting the progress the women’s professional game has made in this country.

“It’s also an opportunity to further increase viewership, to get that attention, an audience watching that game on a global scale, and hopefully encourage new fans.

“I think it’s a fantastic time for players, clubs and supporters, and stakeholders invested in the game, really getting to see the impact of that investment.

“It would almost be like a warm-up to the Euros, with a number of Lionesses playing in that game. It would be another opportunity to build some more momentum and create anticipation for the summer.”

Chelsea and Arsenal both fought back from losing their quarter-final first legs 2-0 to win 3-2 on aggregate, Manchester City dispatched at Stamford Bridge and Real Madrid at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal now face record eight-time winners Lyon, while Chelsea take on a Barcelona outfit crowned champions in three of the last four seasons, who beat them in the 2021 final and also in the 2023 and 2024 semis under Emma Hayes.

This term Chelsea, undefeated all season aside from the last-eight first leg, are managed by Sonia Bompastor, winner with Lyon in 2022, and signings have included Lucy Bronze and Keira Walsh from Barca.

Asante said: “Under (boss) Renee (Slegers), Arsenal have really managed to turn things around.

“There’s no reason why they can’t go all in and really believe they can get a result. They’ve got nothing to lose, there’s more pressure on Lyon in my opinion.

“I think Chelsea will have belief more than ever now… and maybe third time’s the charm.

“There’s no better person probably (than Bompastor) to inspire and motivate and give the players that sense of courage and belief.”

This is the third time there has been a Women’s Super League side in each semi, having also been the case in 2017-18 (Chelsea and City) and 2022-23 (Chelsea and Arsenal).

Whether or not it ends up as an all-WSL final this year in Lisbon, Asante certainly feels “it’s coming” and that English finalists could soon be a regular thing.

“Hopefully, this will be us entering into a new era,” said the 39-year-old former England international, currently on the under-23s coaching staff.

“I think the fact we’ve had Arsenal, Chelsea, City as well, do exceptionally well – it just feels like it’s coming.”