Arsenal secured their spot in the group stage of the Women’s Champions League as they produced one of the narrow football scores of the midweek action. After being pushed to a 2-2 tie in the first leg, Vivianne Miedema’s early second-half goal gave the Gunners a 1-0 triumph in the Netherlands. On October 3, the Champions League group stage draw will be made, and games will begin on October 19.
Stina Blackstenius’ strike straight at the Ajax goalie prevented Arsenal from taking the lead in the first 20 minutes of their outstanding performance in the stormy Dutch city. Six minutes into the second half, Miedema scored with style, calming any tension with a powerful drive toward the goal, and found the corner from 20 yards. The Dutchwoman could have added a second shortly after, but Lize Kop expertly blocked her attempt. After some strong work by Nadine Noordam, Tiny Hoekstra poked wide from close range in the closing 20 minutes, giving the Gunners a scare. However, Jonas Eidevall’s group pulled through and entered their name into the hat for Monday’s group stage draw.
In the meantime, Rangers’ dreams of making it to the Women’s Champions League group stage were dashed when they lost 2-1 to Benfica in extra time when teenage substitute Emma Watson scored a dramatic late goal. Despite dominating and holding a 3-2 lead from the first leg at Ibrox, Benfica was unable to capitalize on their numerous opportunities because Rangers goalkeeper Victoria Esson made a succession of outstanding saves.
In the final three seconds, 16-year-old Watson buried a corner kick to force overtime. Before Lucia Alves was dismissed for receiving a second caution and Jessica Silva sealed the victory for the hosts with another goal on the break, Benfica advanced 5-3 on the night after Cloe Lacasse’s early equalizer.
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