Arsenal Women will enter the UEFA Women’s Champions League knockout play-offs despite an impressive 3-0 victory over OH Leuven in Belgium. The holders, who defeated Barcelona 1-0 in last season’s final, needed a perfect result to secure a top-four finish and automatic qualification for the quarter-finals.

Despite goals from Olivia Smith and Beth Mead, along with an own goal from Leuven’s Saar Janssen, Arsenal finished fifth in the league phase, just one point behind fourth-placed Bayern Munich. This means manager Renee Slegers’ side will now face a two-legged play-off in February, with the draw to determine opponents at 12:00 GMT on Thursday.

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Arsenal’s Dominant Display in Belgium

In Belgium, Arsenal dominated proceedings from the first whistle:

• Olivia Smith opened the scoring in the 18th minute, capitalizing on a one-two with Mariona Caldentey before firing past goalkeeper Lowiese Seynhaeve on her follow-up shot.
• Beth Mead added a second goal nine minutes later, cutting inside from the right and curling a precise finish.
• Arsenal’s third came in the 67th minute when Caitlin Foord’s low cross was deflected into her own net by Saar Janssen.

Striker Alessia Russo had earlier seen two headers saved, while Arsenal’s overall play showcased pace, control, and attacking intensity.

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Bayern Setback Costs Arsenal a Top-Four Finish

While the win against Leuven was convincing, Arsenal’s top-four hopes were dashed due to a costly 3-2 defeat at Bayern Munich in November. Leading 2-0, the Gunners conceded three second-half goals, including two in the final ten minutes. Had they held on for a draw, Arsenal would have secured automatic quarter-final qualification, leaving Bayern to contest the play-offs instead.

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Champions League Knockout Play-Offs

• Arsenal will face either Atletico Madrid or a rematch with Leuven, depending on Thursday’s draw.
• The first leg will be played away in Spain or Belgium on 11-12 February, with the return leg a week later at the Emirates Stadium.
• Given their comfortable win over Leuven, Arsenal would likely welcome a rematch with the Belgian champions.

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Positive Signs for Arsenal

One encouraging development for the Gunners was the return of England captain Leah Williamson. After four months out with a knee injury, Williamson made her first Champions League appearance since May’s final, coming on midway through the second half.

Despite sitting eight points behind WSL leaders Manchester City, Arsenal’s focus will likely remain on retaining their European crown, as the knockout rounds provide the best opportunity for continental success.

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Upcoming Fixtures

• Women’s League Cup Quarter-Final: Arsenal vs Crystal Palace, Sunday (13:00 GMT)
• Women’s Super League Return: Arsenal vs Manchester United, Saturday, 10 January (12:30 GMT)

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Player of the Match

• Beth Mead (Arsenal) – Average rating: 8.72

Other notable ratings:

Arsenal

• Olivia Smith – 8.50
• Caitlin Foord – 8.00
• Alessia Russo – 7.50

OH Leuven

• Lowiese Seynhaeve – 5.67
• K. De Ceuster – 5.50
• I. Dekker – 5.00
• Saar Janssen – 4.00