Arsenal Secure Seeded Spot in Women's Champions League Knockout Playoffs with 3-0 Win Over OH Leuven
Arsenal beat OH Leuven 3-0 away to secure a seeded spot in the Women’s Champions League knockout playoffs and finish the group stage in fifth place.
Olivia Smith opened the scoring at 18 minutes, followed by a goal from Beth Mead. Saar Janssen scored an own goal after a cross from Caitlin Foord to complete the victory.
The attendance at Den Dreef was around 1,000, including approximately 950 Arsenal supporters, marking a record crowd for a women's club match in Belgium as the match was sold out.
Leuven's manager Renée Slegers praised her team's maturity and bravery, highlighting the tactical differences between Leuven’s first and second halves.
Arsenal benefited from the return of Kim Little, with lineup changes seeing Taylor Hinds and Olivia Smith start, and Leah Williamson returning but managed from the bench.
Following Thursday's playoff draw, Arsenal will face either Atlético Madrid or Leuven in the two-legged playoff scheduled for February.
