Barclays FA Women’s Super League (WSL) leaders, Arsenal progressed to a record 14th quarter-final despite a 4-1 loss at UEFA Women’s Champions League to debutants Hoffenheim as Lyon finished ahead of Bayern München in Group D and holders Barcelona made it six wins out of six.
It’s a scary night for the Gunners before booking a record 14th quarter-final spot. Hoffenheim, who lost 4-0 away to the Gunners, needed a five-goal victory to usurp the English side on head-to-head record, and their three strikes in five second-half minutes had the visitors rocking.
All five goals were scored by Hoffenheim players. Jule Brand grabbed the opener but Laura Wienroither’s own goal levelled matters before the break. Chantal Hagel scored two goals in the space of two minutes to give Hoffenheim a 3-1 lead before Gia Corley converted the German side’s fourth goal in the 60th minute.
The German newcomers required just two more to qualify but Arsenal regrouped and saw out the rest of the match.
Defending Champions, FC Barcelona Femeni were at their ruthless best as they made it six wins out of six in Group C, and rounded up its group stage games with a 5-0 thumping of HB Køge.
Goals from Leila Ouahabi, Fridolina Rolfö, Alexia Putellas, Ingrid Syrstad Engen, and Lieke Martens earned Barcelona a 100% record in the group.
Despite the loss and elimination, goalkeeper Kaylan Jenna Marckese had a fine game as Barça rained down 41 shots on goal.
The seven-time champions, Lyon wrapped up first place after a 4-0 win over BK Häcken.
Catarina Macario broke the deadlock, Selma Bacha assisted Ada Hegerberg to make it 2-0; later on, Amandine Henry and Janice Cayman added gloss, with the latter’s finish a particular highlight of a clinical Lyon display.
Bayern Munich also replicated the same scoreline as goals from Karolina Vilhjalmsdottir, Lea Schuller, Giulia Gwinn, and Klara Buhl propeled the German side to a 4-0 triumph over SL Benfica.
Lyon finished top of Group D with a maximum of 15 points and qualified for the quarter-final alongside Bayern Munich (13 points).
MOLATsportgist 