In a hard-fought UEFA Women’s Champions League clash at the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal Women secured a vital 1-0 victory over Juventus thanks to a late strike from Lina Hurtig. The win sees the Gunners progress to the quarter-finals of the competition with two group games still remaining.
Interim manager Renée Slegers had emphasized the need to avoid complacency heading into this crucial fixture, despite Arsenal’s comfortable 4-0 win in the reverse match just a week prior. The home side dominated possession from the outset but struggled to break down a resolute Juventus defense for much of the game.
A Frustrating First Half
Arsenal’s first genuine chance came 24 minutes in when Frida Maanum pounced on a defensive error, but her tight-angled shot flew over the bar. The Gunners had over 75% of the ball in the first period yet managed just a single shot, as Juventus’ organized backline held firm.
Missed Opportunities
The second half continued in much the same vein, with Arsenal probing for an opening. Caitlin Foord came close to finding Alessia Russo with a dangerous cross, before Maanum squandered a golden opportunity, firing wide from an unmarked position. Moments later, Foord saw an effort blocked on the line amidst a goalmouth scramble.
“We dominated the game but just couldn’t find that finishing touch. Credit to Juventus, they defended resolutely and made life difficult for us.”
– Arsenal midfielder Frida Maanum
Juve’s Late Scare
As fatigue set in, Juventus sensed an opportunity to snatch an unlikely win. Goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar was called into action for the first time, getting down well to push away Arianna Caruso’s low drive towards the far corner with just 15 minutes remaining.
Hurtig the Heroine
Arsenal threw on Beth Mead and Stina Blackstenius as they searched for a breakthrough. Fellow substitute Lina Hurtig twice went close with headers before finally making the decisive contribution in the 89th minute. The Swedish forward reacted quickest to poke home after Blackstenius’ cross was blocked, sparking scenes of relief and joy among the home fans.
“We kept believing until the end. Stina made a great run and I just tried to anticipate where the ball might drop. It’s an amazing feeling to score such an important goal.”
– Match-winner Lina Hurtig
The result maintains Slegers’ impressive start as interim boss, with six wins and a draw from her seven games in charge. Arsenal now sit clear at the top of Group C, with a mouth-watering clash against nearest challengers Bayern Munich still to come. Qualification may be assured, but the Gunners will be determined to finish the job and secure top spot.
For Juventus, it was a valiant effort that ultimately fell short. The Italians defended stoutly for much of the game but failed to muster a shot on target until late on. While they still have a mathematical chance of progression, they will need to win their remaining matches and hope other results go their way.
Arsenal’s attention now turns back to domestic matters, with a Women’s Super League clash against Manchester City on the horizon. Buoyed by their European exploits, Slegers’ side will be confident of maintaining their dominant start to the campaign on all fronts.
