Arsenal Women 1-0 Juventus
by Layth Yousif

A LAST-GASP goal by substitute Lina Hurtig was enough to seal victory for a rejuvenated side and steer AWFC to the last eight of the tournament they won back in 2008.

Bayern Munich’s 1-1 draw away to Valerenga in the other Group C fixture means Arsenal are assured of one of the two qualifying spots to the knockout stage.

Just as the 9,963 crowd thought it was going to end honours even between Arsenal Women and Juventus on a bitterly cold north London evening, Swedish substitute Hurtig stepped up to slot home in the 89th minute. 

Slegers remains unbeaten during her spell as interim AWFC boss with another victory over the Italians, following the Gunners’ impressive 4-0 rout of Juve in Turin last week.

The dramatic strike was redemption for late sub Hurtig who had a gilt-edged chance to seal victory moments previously, but her close-range header flew over the bar when well-placed.

Speaking after the match, Slegers said: “I’m very happy with the result, very happy for the club, and very happy for the players.”