Arsenal Women Deliver Dominant Display in Belgium
Arsenal Women have taken a massive step toward the Women's Champions League quarter-finals with a comprehensive 4-0 away victory over OH Leuven in the playoff first leg. The commanding performance at Den Dreef Stadium gives the English side a substantial advantage heading into next week's second leg at Emirates Stadium.
Clinical Finishing Secures Comfortable Lead
Frida Maanum opened the scoring in the 22nd minute, heading home from Caitlin Foord's cross despite goalkeeper Lowiese Seynhaeve getting a hand to the effort. Olivia Smith doubled the advantage before halftime with a composed side-foot finish from Chloe Kelly's delivery.
The Norwegian midfielder Maanum struck again shortly after the restart, turning in from close range after Smith's clever pass sent Foord through on goal. Alessia Russo completed the scoring with a well-taken volley after Seynhaeve failed to deal with Smilla Holmberg's cross.
Historic Milestone for Club Legend
The evening concluded with a special moment as Kim Little came off the bench to make her 400th appearance for Arsenal. The 35-year-old Scottish midfielder received raucous applause from traveling supporters, celebrating her remarkable career and continuing influence at the club.
Manager Jonas Eidevall utilized the opportunity to rotate his squad, making five changes from the team that defeated Manchester City in the Women's Super League. The strategy proved effective as Arsenal controlled possession throughout and limited the Belgian champions to minimal chances.
Defensive Solidity and Squad Rotation
Leah Williamson continued her return from injury with 60 minutes of action, while Laia Codina, Victoria Pelova, and Chloe Kelly all received valuable playing time. The defensive unit remained largely untroubled, with goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar only seriously tested once by Alixe Bosteels' long-range effort.
OH Leuven, competing in their first European campaign, had earned their playoff spot with impressive results against established clubs like Paris Saint-Germain and Roma during the league phase. However, they struggled to contain Arsenal's attacking quality and now face a monumental task in the return leg.
Quarter-Final Showdown Looms
With this commanding lead, Arsenal are now strongly positioned to secure a Women's Champions League quarter-final berth against fellow English side Chelsea. The Blues qualified automatically for the last eight by finishing in the top four during the league phase, setting up a potential all-WSL clash in the knockout stages.
The comprehensive victory demonstrates Arsenal's strength in depth and tactical flexibility as they navigate a congested fixture schedule. The team's ability to rotate key players while maintaining performance levels bodes well for their ambitions in both domestic and European competitions this season.
