Arsenal Women have confidently booked their place in the seeded knockout playoffs of the Women's Champions League, wrapping up the inaugural league phase with a commanding 3-0 victory away to OH Leuven in Belgium.
Comfortable Progression Secured
The result, achieved through a first-half strike from Olivia Smith, a fine finish from Beth Mead, and a second-half own goal from Leuven's Saar Janssen, marks Arsenal's fourth consecutive win. It ensures they will be a seeded team in the upcoming playoff round, though they fell just short of automatic qualification for the quarter-finals, which depended on other results.
The victory continues a striking parallel with last season's triumphant European campaign, where qualification was also secured before the final group game, ultimately leading to lifting the trophy in Lisbon. Manager Renée Slegers will be pleased her side have navigated the new league format successfully, confirming their progression with a match to spare.
Dominant Display from the Start
Backed by a buoyant travelling support of around 1,000 fans – 950 of whom made the journey from England – Arsenal controlled the game from the outset at a sold-out Den Dreef. The hosts, in their debut Champions League season, proved a disciplined outfit but were ultimately outclassed.
Leuven goalkeeper Lowiese Seynhaeve was kept busy, making smart saves to deny Mariona Caldentey and Alessia Russo early on. The breakthrough finally came after 18 minutes when Smith pounced on a rebound after her initial shot was saved, rifling the ball home.
Mead, in excellent form, doubled the lead less than ten minutes later. Receiving the ball from Russo in the box, the England international curled a low, precise shot into the far corner for her third European goal this season. Arsenal could have had more before the break, but Seynhaeve continued her resistance.
Leuven's Response and Arsenal's Decisive Third
The Belgian side showed more ambition after halftime, with substitute Kadhiya De Ceuster adding impetus. They enjoyed more possession and created a chance from a corner, but Sara Pusztai saw two efforts blocked in quick succession.
Despite Leuven's improved spell, Arsenal remained a constant threat on the counter. The decisive third goal arrived just two minutes after Slegers made a triple substitution. One of those introduced, Caitlin Foord, was the architect, delivering a cross that defender Saar Janssen unfortunately turned into her own net. The goal was initially ruled out for offside but was correctly awarded after a VAR review.
The comfortable win rounds off a successful European league phase for the defending champions. With their continental business concluded for now, they have one more domestic fixture before a welcome winter break, their confidence high after four wins on the bounce.
