Toolbox made an outstanding 1-1 draw at Women’s Champions League holders Barcelona on Thursday in a league stage clash in between 2 of the competitors’s heavyweights.
Caroline Graham Hansen protected four-time champs Barca, who have actually reached the last 6 seasons running, a point after Frida Maanum fired visitors Arsenal into a surprise lead at Camp Nou.
The Gunners beat Barcelona in the 2025 last in Lisbon in the groups’ last conference and, regardless of Renee Slegers’s group’s domestic battles, dug deep to provide on the huge phase once again.
The draw leaves Barca, 2nd, level on 10 points with leaders Lyon after 4 matches, while the Londoners are 4th, level on 8 points with third-place Bayern Munich and Chelsea.
“Arsenal did a great task, they were well organised and attempted to play football. It was a difficult video game, so well done to them,” Graham Hansen informed Disney+.
“I believe we had sufficient opportunities to win the video game, however that’s football …
“We were shooting on target however they existed, obstructing shots and doing a great task, so credit to them. We understand we can do much better.”
Toolbox goalscorer Maanum stated the point was a great outcome to take home from Catalonia.
“I believe it was a great efficiency from us defensively,” she informed Disney+.
“We ran a lot, we interrupted their assaulting video game and we’ve come away with a point, which, versus Barcelona, is rather excellent.”
Two-time winners Arsenal had a golden chance in the opening phases when Caitlin Foord burglarized package however Irene Paredes obstructed remarkably.
The rebound was up to Alessia Russo, who headed versus the post from point-blank variety, however seemed offside.
Barcelona barrage
Barcelona took control after that, with Graham Hansen and Sydney Schertenleib requiring Arsenal’s Misa Rodriguez into 2 conserves at her near post.
The visitors, who are suffering in 6th in the English leading flight, rode out the barrage and nosed ahead through Maanum after 22 minutes.
Barcelona goalkeeper Cata Coll conserved well from Foord however Norwegian midfielder Maanum responded quickest to lock on to the rebound and slot home.
Graham Hansen ran Arsenal left-back Taylor Hinds rough however Barca might not break through before the period.
Claudia Pina fired directly broad after a burst inside from the left and Paredes looped a header over the crossbar.
Graham Hansen’s header clipped the post right before the break as Pere Romeu’s Barca entered annoyed, however the Norwegian winger pulled them level before the hour mark.
Esmee Brugts discovered Graham Hansen in package and she cut inside Steph Catley and whipped a strike into the leading left corner.
Russo may have put Arsenal back in front however hammered over when well positioned after being teed up by alternative Olivia Smith.
Three-time Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmati came off the bench for Barca in the 2nd half however might not assist them discover a method through.
Toolbox withstood Barcelona pressure in the lasts without numerous scares to end the hosts’ 100 percent start to the competitors.
AFP
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