Arsenal reaches the quarterfinals of the Champions League thanks to a last-minute goal from Lina Hurtig, which puts her team into the next phase of the top European competition.
The match was very even and neither team was able to break the deadlock, but the entry of the Swedish forward in the 80th minute was the stimulus that the locals needed on a cold November night at the Emirates.
With a pass from Stina Blackstenius, Hurtig made the difference in the 89th minute against Juventus. Thanks to Bayern’s draw in Oslo a few hours earlier, the Gunners certified their place in the quarterfinals while the Italians were mathematically left out of the competition.
Sixth victory in the last seven games in all competitions for the Londoners, who are already in the knockout phase with two games remaining in the group stage.
ARSENAL 1 – JUVENTUS 0
In a first half with few opportunities, we had to wait until the 24th minute for one of the opponents to register a shot on goal.
It was Turin’s, after a corner taken by Arianna Caruso. The ball reached the feet of Eva Schatzer, who shot low and straight into the gloves of Daphne van Domselaar.
At the other end, Frida Maanum shot over the bar after a recovery in the final third of the field.
Katie McCabe put in a cross from the left flank that ended up in the roof of the net. Shortly after, it was Mariona Caldentey who passed the ball towards Caitlin Foord. The Australian fell under pressure from the rival inside the area, but the referee did not consider it enough to award a penalty in favor of the locals.
Juve counterattacked and Sofia Cantore’s shot was deflected straight into Van Domselaar’s gloves.
The night in London was cold, very cold, and this is how this first half left us, with the feeling that neither of the two teams had yet warmed up. With the score about to open, we went to break.
The goal still didn’t come
The second half came alive when Lia Wälti’s cross found Foord in space. The Australian put in a cross, but there was no one to finish.
For a moment, the brave crowd in the stands at the Emirates thought their team had scored the first goal when Mariona combined with McCabe before the former crossed for Maanum. The Norwegian’s shot went wide of the post.
After a corner taken by McCabe, there was a commotion in the visiting area without anyone managing to connect with the loose ball, either to finish or to clear.
Stina Blackstenius entered the field to make her 100th appearance for the Gunners in all competitions.
McCabe corner again, this time it was Leah Williamson who headed over the bar. The locals continued to press for a goal to break the tie, but to no avail.
Caruso was closer to scoring after being unmarked, with time and space in the area to shoot into the lower right corner, but Van Domselaar managed to deflect it to the post, preventing Juve from scoring.
Hurtig unblocked the match
Alessia Russo was replaced by Lina Hurtig with just over 10 minutes left. The Swede almost made an instant impact, heading Williamson’s cross into the side netting.
Kim Little passed to Hurtig for her to head again, but, with the entire goal at her mercy, the ball inexplicably went over the crossbar.
Hurtig did not forgive a third time. Rosa Kafaji, who had entered the field a few seconds ago, set up Blackstenius on the right flank of the area. The Swede sent a cross shot that went past Pauline Peyraud Magnin and passed between several pairs of legs before finding Hurtig’s toe, who sent it inside.
Blackstenius could have increased the lead in added time, but Peyraud Magnin saved the goal before the final whistle blew at the Emirates.
MATCH SHEET
Arsenal: Van Domselaar (P), Fox, Williamson, Catley, Mariona, Little (C) (Kafaji, min. 88), McCabe, Maanum (Blackstenius, min. 66), Wälti, Foord (Mead, min. 66) and Russo (Urgent, min. 80).
Entrenadora: Renée Slegers.
Juventus: Peyraud Magnin (P), Lenzini, Calligaris, Cascarino, Bergamaschi (Bonansea, min. 66), Schatzer, Bennison (Boattin, min. 66), Krumbiegel (Thomas, min. 82), Caruso (C), Cantore (Beccari , min. 74) and Vangsgaard (Girelli, min. 74).
Coach: Max Canzi.
Goals: 1-0 Quick (min. 89).
Referee: Ewa Augustyn.
Match played at Emirates Stadium (London).
Incidences: Yellow card to Cascarino (Juventus, min. 36).
Award “Player of the Match”: Kim Little.
Author: Marga Martin
Photography: Arsenal Women
