Arsenal - Alessia Russo
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal took a significant step towards securing top spot in Group C of the Women’s Champions League with a commanding 3-1 victory over Valerenga, inspired by a brace from Alessia Russo.
Already assured of a quarter-final place following their narrow win over Juventus last month, the Gunners entered the match in Norway needing three points to maintain pressure on group leaders Bayern Munich. First-half goals from Russo and Frida Maanum put Arsenal in control, and Russo added a second after the break to set up a high-stakes clash against Bayern next week.
Interim manager Renee Slegers, who has successfully steadied Arsenal since stepping in for Jonas Eidevall in October, made five changes to the side that beat Aston Villa last weekend. Notably, Katie Reid was handed her full debut at full-back, and Manuela Zinsberger returned between the posts. However, Zinsberger’s reintroduction was shaky as a misplaced pass gifted Valerenga’s Olaug Tvedten an early chance, though the effort lacked power.
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Despite a slow start, Arsenal gradually found their rhythm. The breakthrough came in the 25th minute when Maanum’s surging run carved through the Valerenga defense before she set up Russo, who curled a brilliant strike into the bottom corner.
Alessia Russo
Alessia Russo scored twice for Arsenal against Valerenga in the Champions League (Image credit: Getty Images)
Eight minutes before halftime, the Gunners doubled their advantage. Caitlin Foord’s incisive work down the flank led to a cutback for Maanum, who slotted home on her return to Oslo, where she previously played for Valerenga’s rivals Lyn.
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There was concern for Arsenal before the break when Russo was caught by a late tackle from Saedis Heidarsdottir and required treatment as her teammates headed to the dressing room. However, the England forward returned for the second half and quickly made her mark again.
In the 58th minute, Russo scored her fourth goal of the competition. A smooth build-up from the back culminated in another excellent cross from Foord, which Russo met with a precise volley to put the game beyond Valerenga’s reach.
Arsenal came close to adding a fourth when Stina Blackstenius struck the post, but Valerenga managed a late consolation goal in the 85th minute as Tide Lindwall finished off Janni Thomsen’s cross.
The win marks Arsenal’s eighth victory in nine matches under Slegers, as they head into Wednesday’s pivotal showdown with Bayern Munich, who remain one point ahead after a 4-0 win over Juventus. The group leaders’ visit to North London could prove decisive in the race for top spot.
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