UEFA Women’s Champions League holders Barcelona and record seven-time winners Lyon both moved onto six group points, while Arsenal secured a crucial win against Hoffenheim and Bayern München also showed their strength in Thursday’s games.
Little over a year ago, HB Køge had never even played in the top division of Danish women’s football. The Danish champions and European debutants, beaten 5-0 in their opener by Hoffenheim, were impressive against the holders, nearly taking the lead through Kyra Carusa in the first minute and holding their own until half-time.
Barcelona were much improved after the break and, despite missing several chances, took themselves to six points through Fridolina Rolfö’s tap-in in the 62nd minute, her first Women’s Champions League goal for Barça
and a last-gasp Jennifer Hermoso penalty.
After losing 4-1 at Barcelona in their opening group game, Arsenal bounced back with a comfortable win over Hoffenheim. Beth Mead was clipped by Michaela Specht in box as the referee pointed to penalty spot, Kim Little stepped forward and converted her Arsenal’s fourth penalty becoming only the ninth woman to reach 40 UEFA club competition goals.
Tobin Heath capped a fine move by the home side with her first goal for the club just before the break, and Vivianne Miedema close range tap-in and Leah Williamson with a powerful header from Katie McCabe’s corner get on the scoresheet after the break to wrap up a comfortable win for Arsenal.
Bayern Munich secured a first Group D win as they inflicted Häcken’s second defeat.
The home side had already hit the post through Lineth Beerensteyn when Lea Schüller took advantage of a defensive mix-up to net an eighth-minute opener, the same player then nodding in Giulia Gwinn’s cross three minutes later. Linda Dallmann also hit the post but got her goal in the second half via a deflected effort, before Jovana Damnjanović lashed home an added-time fourth.
Kadeisha Buchanan opened the scoring in the 29th minute and Van de Donk struck in quick succession before halftime and the next three goals came in a rapid 11-minute burst early in the second period. Melvine Malard scores a superb overhead kick in the second half in a dominant display from Lyon. Catarina Macario get her on the scoresheet before Buchanan get her second. 5-0 it ended in favour of Lyon against Benfica.
Lyon’s Amadine Henry is now joint tenth in the all-time appearance list after making her 70th Champions League appearance last night.
MOLATsportgist 