Arsenal have suffered a defeat in their first match of the UEFA Women’s Champions League group stage with Jonas Eidevall’s side going down 4-1 to European champions FC Barcelona at the Estadi Johan Cruyff this evening.
Mariona Caldentay, Alexia Putellas, Asisat Oshoala and Lieke Martens got the goals for the hosts as they started the group stage in style.
Barcelona started the game on the front-foot and only a combination of some last-ditch Arsenal defending and good goalkeeping from Manuela Zinsberger denied them an early goal.
The Catalan club made the breakthrough just after the half-hour when Zinsberger spilt Oshoala’s shot and Mariona fired the loose ball home.
Oshoala was again involved in her side’s second goal. Her hard work enabled her to open up space in the Arsenal defence and provide teammate Alexia with a simple tap-in.
Arsenal head coach Eidevall will have demanded higher standards from his side at the break but they were breached again two minutes into the second half when Oshoala was able to race away and coolly slot home her side’s third goal.
The Gunners did improve after the hour with Vivianne Miedema scuffing a shot at Sandra Paños before Beth Mead ballooned an effort high and wide. The North Londoners soon got their reward when substitute Tobin Heath’s free-kick was bundled home by Frida Maanum.
Barcelona added a fourth goal six minutes from time when substitute Lieke Martens found time and space to chip the ball over Zinsberger and into the net. Jonatan Giraldez Costas’ side were then awarded a penalty kick in second half injury time as Alexia drew a foul from Jordan Nobbs in the box but she was unable to beat Zinsberger from the spot as the game ended 4-1.
Arsenal return to UEFA Women’s Champions League action next Thursday when they host TSG 1899 Hoffenheim at Meadow Park.
About The Author
