LEUVEN, Belgium (AP) — Defending champion Arsenal took a big step towards the Women’s Champions League quarterfinals by defeating OH Leuven 4-0 in the first leg of the knockout playoff round on Wednesday.
After the victory in 1st Women’s Champions Cup On February 1, Arsenal dominated from the start against Belgium and came close to facing London rivals Chelsea in the quarter-finals.
Frieda Mahnum led the visitors with two goals and Olivia Smith showed her worth. Record transfer fee Arsenal paid her transfer fee to Liverpool in July. Kim Little also came on as a substitute, making his 400th appearance for Arsenal.
Mahnum scored the first goal in the 22nd minute when she headed Caitlin Ford’s cross from the right side.
Smith doubled the advantage 15 minutes later with a clinical finish as the Canadian forward curled his first low shot into the top corner. Maanum got free in the box and added a second goal before Ford set her up again early in the second half and substitute Alessia Russo completed the rout with her fifth goal of the season.
The revamped format for the Women’s Champions League follows the men’s competition, with the opening round of the league changed from eight rounds to six.
The top four teams in the standings (Barcelona, Lyon, Chelsea and Bayern) advanced directly to the quarter-finals. Teams from 5th to 12th place advanced to the playoff round.
Arsenal finished the league in fifth place, while Leuven finished their first season in Europe’s top competition in 12th place.
the two met there 18 team league phase Arsenal defeated Leuven 3-0 away.
come
Paris FC hosts Real Madrid later on Wednesday, with the remaining two playoff games scheduled for Thursday, Wolfsburg vs. Juventus and Atlético Madrid vs. Manchester United.
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