Arsenal overturn deficit to ease into UWCL group stage

Arsenal have qualified for the group stage of this season’s UEFA Women’s Champions League after defeating BK Häcken 4-0 in the second leg of their Round 2 tie at the Mangata Pay UK Stadium Meadow Park this evening.

Trailing 1-0 from the first leg, Arsenal put on a much improved performance in Boreham Wood tonight. A Lia Wälti blockbuster levelled the tie midway through the first half before goals from Mariona Caldentey, Beth Mead and Frida Maanum secured a 4-1 aggregate success for Jonas Eidevall’s side.

Arsenal started the match strongly and they broke the deadlock with 23 minutes on the clock. Wälti took aim from 25 yards and she crashed her effort home via the crossbar.

The Gunners should have been 2-0 up when Stina Blackstenius got her head on the end of a free-kick but she somehow directed the ball wide.

Arsenal did go into the break two goals to the good. Beth Mead chased down a ball on the edge of the box and the BK Häcken attempted clearance eventually fell Mariona’s way. Her effort deflected off a BK Häcken defender and the ball looped into the back of the net.

Eidevall’s side extended their lead early in the second half. Mead took a touch to get the ball under her control before thumping a half-volley beyond visiting keeper Jennifer Falk and into the net.

The Gunners had chances to add further goals but they had to wait until the 78th minute to net a fourth when substitute Frida Maanum produced a trademark finish from 12 yards.

Arsenal ended the night 4-0 winners while they progress to the group stage courtesy of a 4-1 aggregate success.

The UEFA Women’s Champions League group stage draw takes place tomorrow lunchtime.