Late Bridge goal sends Chelsea into semi-finals

England defender Wayne Bridge sent Chelsea into the semi-finals of the Champions League for the first time on Tuesday when he scored three minutes from time to earn a 2-1 victory at Arsenal for a 3-2 aggregate win.

Arsenal had deservedly taken the lead in first-half injury time. Lauren crossed deep from the right, Henry nodded the ball back across the box and Jose Antonio Reyes, the 20-year-old who was supposedly ruled out of the game with a knee injury two days ago, fired low through the legs of Marco Ambrosio.

It was the first goal Chelsea had conceded in six European away games this season but they hit back six minutes after the restart when Arsenal keeper Jens Lehmann failed to hold a swerving Claude Makelele shot and Frank Lampard swept in the rebound.

Arsenal defender Ashley Cole cleared an Eidur Gudjohnsen shot off the line five minutes from time but two minutes later the Icelander rolled the ball into the path of fullback Bridge who drove in the winner.