Arsenal surrendered a two-goal lead in the Women's Champions League, drawing 2-2 with Paris FC after a late Leah Williamson handball gifted the hosts a penalty. Maeline Mendy converted the spot kick in the 86th minute to earn Paris a point.
Arsenal's Early Dominance
Alessia Russo opened the scoring in the 40th minute, firing low inside the near post after holding off two defenders. Georgia Stanway doubled the lead in the 50th minute, chesting down a cross from Fox before smashing home a volley from close range.
The goals came after a tense first half in which Paris FC hit the bar through Viens, though the offside flag had been raised. Replays suggested the call was incorrect, and VAR would have awarded the goal had it counted.
Paris Fight Back
Clara Mateo pulled one back for Paris in the 72nd minute, rounding goalkeeper Misa Rodriguez after a defensive mix-up between Wubben-Moy and Williamson. The goal came after a well-timed pass from Viens released Mateo clean through on goal.
Paris continued to push for an equalizer, with coach Sandrine Soubeyrand making attacking substitutions. The pressure told in the 86th minute when Williamson handled the ball in the area after Misa retrieved it from behind the goal and passed it to the centre-back, who placed it with her hands for a goal kick. The referee ruled Misa's pass made the ball live, and the penalty was confirmed after a VAR check.
Late Drama and Reactions
Mendy buried the spot kick, with Misa going the right way but unable to keep it out. Arsenal protested the decision but the goal stood, and the match ended 2-2.
Russo acknowledged the mistake after the match, saying: "It's a mistake, unfortunately … but we let them back into the game before then. I'm really happy to have scored, it's a tough moment, but we have to keep building on Sunday (against Manchester City) and in the rest of our Champions League games."
The result leaves Arsenal with a draw on the road that feels like a defeat, as they look ahead to their next league fixture against Manchester City.
