Arsenal scored four goals to qualify for the Champions League group stages, as three English teams reached the last 16 in Europe for the first time.
After a disappointing away leg that saw them leave Gothenburg with a goal deficit and a pile up of pressure on Jonas Eidevall, they bounced back with four goals at a rainy Meadow Park.
A first time hit from Lia Walti from 30 yards went in off the underside of the crossbar after 23 minutes, and set the tone for the rest of the night.
This was followed by a Mariona Caldentey goal in the 40th minute, a superb Beth Mead volley just after half time and a well-worked team goal scored by Frida Maanum in the 78th minute to seal the tie in style.
History makers
This is the first time three English teams have made it to the last 16 of the Champions League, and it can be seen as a historic moment for women’s football in this country. Chelsea qualified automatically through winning the WSL, Man City thrashed Paris FC 8-0 over two legs and Arsenal’s win over Hacken makes it a full house. Sonia Bompastor and Gareth Taylor had previously said they wanted Arsenal to qualify, to show off the standard of English football and for the famous coefficient!
The Emirates awaits
After the disappointment of going out in the first qualifying round last year, Arsenal fans will be delighted that their team has reached the juicy part of the competition this time round. These qualifiers are always hard to navigate so early on in the season, but big crowds at the Emirates for Champions League weeknight football is a worthy prize. Based on the crowd at Borehamwood, we can expect some noisy nights in North London.
Come rain or shine
“North London forever…whatever the weather,” sang the Arsenal fans ahead of kick-off. And never has a truer word been spoken. With roads closed and trains not working due to torrential rain, the 2,828 Arsenal fans in attendance weren’t to be deterred by the weather. Nothing could keep these fans away from cheering on their side and helping them get over the line tonight.
A new fan favourite
World Cup and three-time Champions League winner Caldentey moved to Arsenal in the summer after 10 years with Barcelona. After winning player of the match in the previous qualifying round against Rosenburg, she had another excellent performance in an Arsenal shirt, as a real playmaker, topped off with her first goal for the Gunners. The fans already have a very catchy chant to show their appreciation for their new signing – “Shake it Caldentey” to the tune of The Beatles’ ‘Twist and Shout’. Her experience and know-how of winning the Champions League might just be the missing piece for Arsenal.
“We’re all going on a European Tour”
The last 20 minutes were filled with the fans singing and chanting “Champions of Europe,” reminding everyone of their history in this competition. Could this be the year history repeats itself…
Featured image credit: Photo by Harry Murphy/Getty Images via One Football
