Arsenal make shock exit from Women’s Champions League
Arsenal’s Women’s Champions League journey ended prematurely as they suffered a surprising defeat to Paris FC in the initial qualifying round.
Despite Alessia Russo’s two debut goals for Arsenal, their fate was sealed in a penalty shootout that concluded 3-3 after regular play.
Katie McCabe, the captain of the Irish national team, entered the game in the 60th minute, contributing to an equalizer in the 96th minute and successfully converting a penalty. However, her efforts couldn’t alter the outcome.
Arsenal initially appeared to have avoided an upset after recovering from conceding two quick goals by Mathilde Bourdieu early in the second half.
Russo, a high-profile summer signing from Manchester United, pulled one back with just 10 minutes remaining, and Jen Beattie scored with a header from McCabe’s cross deep into injury time.
Despite their best efforts in extra time, Arsenal fell behind again when Julie Soyer restored Paris’ lead.
Russo once again demonstrated her skill, equalizing with a spectacular strike from 25 yards. However, their fate was sealed in the shootout, with Frida Maanum missing a crucial chance, and both Norwegian and Russo seeing their penalty kicks saved by Chiamaka Nnadozie as Paris emerged victorious with a 4-2 shootout score.
In other qualifying finals, Eintracht Frankfurt overcame Juventus on penalties following a 1-1 draw, while Glasgow, who previously defeated Shelbourne, secured a 3-0 victory against Gintra.
Outrageous @NoelleM11 🚀#DublinsFinest | @WeAreTUDublin pic.twitter.com/U9eF7n6dZH
— Shelbourne FC (@shelsfc) September 9, 2023
During the third-place play-offs, Shelbourne Ladies secured a convincing 3-0 victory over Cardiff, with Noelle Murray scoring twice and Libby Moore adding the finishing touch.
In another match, Cliftonville suffered a 4-2 defeat at the hands of BIIK Shymkent from Kazakhstan.
Arsenal make shock exit from Women’s Champions League
