Arsenal Women secured their place in the UEFA Women’s Champions League group stage with a commanding 4-0 victory over BK Häcken, overturning a first-leg deficit in style.
The Gunners started the match with high intensity, looking to erase the 1-0 deficit from the first leg. Jonas Eidevall made three changes to the weekend’s starting XI, bringing in Lia Walti, Beth Mead, and Alessia Russo.
The breakthrough came in the 23rd minute when Lia Walti struck a beautiful first-time shot from range that clipped the crossbar and went in, leveling the tie on aggregate. Arsenal continued to press, and just before halftime, Mariona Caldentey scored her debut goal for the club with a close-range tap-in, giving Arsenal a 2-0 lead at the break.
The second half saw Arsenal maintain their dominance. Beth Mead showcased her skill with a stunning volley in the 49th minute, juggling through defenders before finding the back of the net to make it 3-0.
Substitutes Kyra Cooney-Cross and Caitlin Foord combined beautifully for the fourth goal. Cooney-Cross drove through the middle and laid the ball off to Foord, who cut back perfectly for Frida Maanum to thump the ball into the net in the 78th minute.
This victory not only overturns the first-leg deficit but also ensures Arsenal’s place in the UEFA Women’s Champions League group stage. The draw for the group stage will take place in Nyon, Switzerland, and will be streamed live on UEFA.com
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