Arsenal Women needed a stoppage-time penalty from Mariona Caldentey to beat HB Køge 1-0 in their opening Women’s Champions League league-phase match.
Renée Slegers’ side looked set to begin their European campaign with a frustrating goalless draw before Selina Cerci was brought down inside the penalty area in the 91st minute.
Caldentey stepped up and made no mistake from the spot to secure all three points.
Caldentey rescues Arsenal in stoppage time
Arsenal had been unable to find a breakthrough throughout the opening 90 minutes against a stubborn HB Køge side.
That changed when Cerci drove into the penalty area and was pulled down, leaving the referee with a major late decision.
Caldentey took responsibility from 12 yards and converted the penalty to finally break the deadlock.
The Spain international’s intervention ensured Arsenal avoided a damaging home draw after recent frustration in the WSL.
We had highlighted Arsenal’s attacking problems against compact defensive blocks before the game, and HB Køge once again forced Slegers’ side to remain patient deep into stoppage time.
Arsenal take three Champions League points
The result gives Arsenal a winning start to the new Women’s Champions League league phase.
UEFA had already highlighted HB Køge’s strong recent European form, with the Danish side losing only once in their previous nine continental fixtures before travelling to England. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Our HB Køge opponent guide explained why the visitors were capable of making this a more difficult night than many expected.
Arsenal nevertheless found a way through.
Caldentey’s late penalty means Slegers’ side begin their six-match league-phase programme with three points before travelling to Paris FC on 30 September. UEFA confirms Paris is Arsenal’s next European opponent. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
The Gunners now turn their attention back to the Women’s Super League, with a huge trip to Chelsea awaiting on Sunday.
Our Chelsea Women vs Arsenal Women TV guide has the early broadcast details for that fixture.
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