Arsenal have secured their place in the final eight of the UEFA Women’s Champions League with a 1-0 win from the Emirates against Juventus. A late goal from former Juve player Lina Hurtig against her old side proved crucial for the Gunners.
Last time out, Arsenal were the victors as they beat the Serie A leaders 4-0 thanks to four different goal-scorers. This result brought them up to second in the UWCL group table.
Starting XIs
Arsenal
Van Domselaar; McCabe, Catley, Williamson, Fox, Wälti, Little, Maanum, Foord, Russo, Caldentey.
Juventus
Peyraud-Magnin; Krumbiegel, Cascarino, Calligaris, Lenzini, Bergamaschi, Schatzer, Caruso, Bennison, Vangsgaard, Cantore.
Arsenal into the final eight
It was a first half with very little action from both sides. Arsenal got off to the faster start and dominated the majority of the possession, despite this, they failed to have a shot on the Juventus target. The Gunners’ best chance of the half fell to Frida Maanum, but her near-post effort sailed over the bar.
The first real chance of the second half fell to the home side in the 58th minute. A cheeky flick from Katie McCabe allowed Mariona Caldentey to put a cross into the box. However, Maanum placed her effort just wide. Caitlin Foord came close to breaking the deadlock moments later when Caruso cleared her effort off the line following a corner.
A crucial save in the 75th minute by van Domselaar — who had little to do during the match — ensured the deadlock was not broken. Fresh off the bench, Hurtig then finally capitalised after a multitude of chances, ultimately tapping the ball home after Stina Blackstenius’ cross remained uncleared.
After their return to the Women’s Super League, Arsenal will take on Vålerenga in their next Champions League group stage clash on December 12th, before wrapping it up against Bayern Munich a week later.
