Arsenal Women virtually booked their place in the Champions League quarter-finals with a dominant 4-0 victory over OH Leuven on Wednesday night.
A brace from Frida Maanum, coupled with strikes from Olivia Smith and substitute Alessia Russoensured UEFA Women’s Champions League holders Arsenal take a commanding aggregate lead back to London.
Renee Slegers' side, fresh off a massive WSL victory over Manchester City, wasted no time asserting their authority.
Despite the hosts’ attempts to disrupt Arsenal’s rhythm, the breakthrough came in the 22nd minute. Caitlin Foord, a constant threat down the flank, delivered a pinpoint cross for Frida Maanum to flick a header into the bottom corner.
The lead was doubled before the break through Olivia Smith. The Canadian forward, netting her second goal in three days, evaded her marker to meet a low Chloe Kelly cross with a clinical first-time finish.
Slegers: Everyone Understood Their Roles
Gunners boss Renee Slegers was quick to praise the professional application of her squad, noting that the team predicted Leuven’s setup perfectly.
“The players executed everything exactly as I asked, and that is very rewarding as a coach. I believe in this team and in these players,” Slegers said. “We expected Leuven to adopt a more defensive approach, and we prepared accordingly. Everyone understood their roles.”
While Arsenal had beaten Leuven comfortably in December, Slegers noted the Belgian side offered a different physical challenge this time around.
“Leuven performed well, playing more directly in comparison to the December game,” she added. “They have strong dribblers and physical players, but it is still the same team we played last time, and we knew what to expect.”
Maanum, Russo Seal the Rout as Little reach Milestone
That preparation paid off early in the second half. Just seven minutes after the restart, Foord was once again the architect, supplying the cross for Maanum to guide home a side-footed finish for her second of the night.
The fourth goal arrived on the hour mark via the bench. Alessia Russo, introduced for the final 30 minutes, capitalized on a defensive error from Leuven goalkeeper Lowiese Seynhaeve, who failed to deal with Smilla Holmberg’s cross, allowing the England striker to smash home from close range.
The night was also marked by a significant milestone for club legend Kim Littlewho replaced Smith late on to make her 400th appearance for the Gunners.
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Olivia Smith will, however, be unavailable for the return leg through suspension after picking up a yellow card for time-wasting late in the game.
Arsenal now look ahead to a potential blockbuster quarter-final tie against domestic rivals Chelsea.
But first, they return to WSL action this Sunday against Brighton at Broadfield Stadium, before hosting Leuven for the formality of the second leg on February 18.
