FRIDA MAANUM’S 22ND-MINUTE effort helped Arsenal earn a battling 1-1 draw away to holders Barcelona in the Women’s Champions League.
In a rematch of the 2025 final, where Arsenal triumphed for a maiden European title, Renee Slegers’ side produced a similarly dogged defensive display to leave the Camp Nou with a point and extend their unbeaten run to six matches in all competitions.
Caroline Graham Hansen produced a leveller for Barcelona in the 59th minute after a one-sided first 45, but the points were shared after a more even second half to leave Arsenal on eight points after four matches in the league phase.
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The visitors should have taken the lead after four minutes when Caitlin Foord raced away down the right and had a shot deflected into the path of Alessia Russo, but the England forward inexplicably headed wide with an open goal at her mercy.
Attack
It was immediately followed by wave after wave of Barcelona attack with Misa Rodriguez forced to deny Graham Hansen and Sydney Schertenleib in quick succession.
After Rodriguez thwarted Esmee Brugts, the breakthrough arrived but against the run of play it went to Arsenal after 22 minutes.
Russo did well down the left and crossed in for Foord, who was denied by Cata Coll but Maanum was first to the loose ball and fired under the Barcelona goalkeeper to make it 1-0.
Arsenal's Frida Maanum, left, competes with Barcelona's Patri Guijarro. Alamy Stock Photo
Alamy Stock Photo
Irene Paredes and Patri Guijarro went close for defending champions Barca before half-time. Barcelona turned to three-time Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmati early into the second half and equalised in the 59th minute.
Brugts spotted the unmarked Graham Hansen, who controlled and cut inside before she rifled into the corner. Slegers reacted with Ona Battle and Olivia Smith introduced, which was followed by Russo sending an effort over.
Schertenleib went close next, but Leah Williamson produced a timely block and it finished all square.
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Frida Maanum scores as Arsenal earn draw at Barcelona
FRIDA MAANUM’S 22ND-MINUTE effort helped Arsenal earn a battling 1-1 draw away to holders Barcelona in the Women’s Champions League.
In a rematch of the 2025 final, where Arsenal triumphed for a maiden European title, Renee Slegers’ side produced a similarly dogged defensive display to leave the Camp Nou with a point and extend their unbeaten run to six matches in all competitions.
Caroline Graham Hansen produced a leveller for Barcelona in the 59th minute after a one-sided first 45, but the points were shared after a more even second half to leave Arsenal on eight points after four matches in the league phase.
The visitors should have taken the lead after four minutes when Caitlin Foord raced away down the right and had a shot deflected into the path of Alessia Russo, but the England forward inexplicably headed wide with an open goal at her mercy.
Attack
It was immediately followed by wave after wave of Barcelona attack with Misa Rodriguez forced to deny Graham Hansen and Sydney Schertenleib in quick succession.
After Rodriguez thwarted Esmee Brugts, the breakthrough arrived but against the run of play it went to Arsenal after 22 minutes.
Russo did well down the left and crossed in for Foord, who was denied by Cata Coll but Maanum was first to the loose ball and fired under the Barcelona goalkeeper to make it 1-0.
Irene Paredes and Patri Guijarro went close for defending champions Barca before half-time. Barcelona turned to three-time Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmati early into the second half and equalised in the 59th minute.
Brugts spotted the unmarked Graham Hansen, who controlled and cut inside before she rifled into the corner. Slegers reacted with Ona Battle and Olivia Smith introduced, which was followed by Russo sending an effort over.
Schertenleib went close next, but Leah Williamson produced a timely block and it finished all square.
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
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