Arsenal secured their place in the quarter-finals of the Women’s Champions League with a 1-0 victory over Juventues at the Emirates Stadium.
In a match low on chances and quality Lina Hurtig was the decisive factor for the Gunners coming off the bench in the second half to score a late winner that put her side clear of their opponents in Group C.
Juventus had set up with a low block to nullify Arsenal’s threatening forward line and were successful for most of the game. The Gunners were forced into crosses from wide that had no effect in breaking down the Italian team.
Renee Slegers switched things up at half time and Arsenal came out determined to make more runs itno the box. Stina Blackstenius, another substitute, collected the ball with one such run and picked out Hurtig who tapped in the winner.
Relive all the action with our live blog below:
Arsenal vs Juventus LIVE
- Arsenal fave Juventus in the WCL, live on DAZN
- Renee Slegers’s side have won two of their three group games so far
- The Gunners defeated Juventus 4-0 away from home in their last Champions League outing
- 89’ GOAL! Hurtig leaves it late to score (ARS 1-0 JUV)
Arsenal have transformed their season - now there is a decision to make
22:53 , Mike JonesRenee Slegers allowed herself a moment to pump her firsts on the touchline. Arsenal left it late but the job was complete. After near-dominance of the game against Juventus, substitute Lina Hurtig’s 89th-minute winner secured their place in the Champions League quarter-finals with two games to spare. It’s been quite the recovery for a side thrashed 5-2 by Bayern Munich on the opening night of the competition and who looked in disarray under Jonas Eidevall. “It’s surreal,” Slegers said, the interim who has turned the season around.
After leading a resurgent Arsenal around the Emirates at the end of this 1-0 win, Leah Williamson remained deep in conversation with Slegers, remonstrating with her hands to suggest her team could have played quicker against the Italian’s packed defence. Clearly, there is more work to do. But Slegers has now overseen all three group wins since taking interim charge, as part of an unbeaten seven-game block following Eidevall’s resignation two months ago. Arsenal will be in the Champions League come March. Slegers, who was part of Eidevall’s coaching staff, described it as the “perfect end” to the seven games she was given.
Arsenal have transformed their season - now there is a decision to make
English teams triumph
22:18 , Mike JonesChelsea secured their passage into the next round last night and today they’ve been joined by Manchester City and Arsenal.
City got through after a 2-1 win over Hammarby in the early kick off before Lina Hurtig’s heroics earned the Gunners all three points at the Emirates.
Lina Hurtig scores late winner for Arsenal
22:11 , Mike Jones
Izzy Christiansen on Arsenal’s win:
22:05 , Mike Jones“Arsenal are circled up. All players all staff in a really tight huddle having a reflection moment. You can just see how together they are.
“I know a huddle isn’t to identify that, every team does it but you can just see that’s a big win for them.”
Full-time! Arsenal 1-0 Juventus
21:53 , Mike Jones90+4 mins: The whistle goes for full-time. Arsenal were made to work for it but they’ve got the job done with a slim win against Juventus.
The Gunnners are through to the next round.
Arsenal 1-0 Juventus
21:48 , Mike Jones90 mins: Four minutes of added time to play.
GOAL! Arsenal 1-0 Juventus (Lina Hurtig, 89’)
21:47 , Mike Jones89 mins: Surely that’s the winner!
Stina Blackstenius is played into the penalty area and spins wonderfully before slipping the ball into the six-yard box. Martina Lenzini is there to clear the ball but takes too long and Lina Hurtig is onto her.
The substitute nicks the ball and pokes it home to open the scoring late in this game!
Arsenal 0-0 Juventus
21:41 , Mike Jones84 mins: Oh my days.
That was the moment. Kim Little makes a fine run into the penalty area and collects a threaded pass. She lifts a cross into the middle where Lina Hurtig has an open goal.
She gets a head on the ball but can’t keep it down and her effort sails over the bar.
Arsenal 0-0 Juventus
21:38 , Mike Jones81 mins: Into the last 10 minutes now and still no goals. Juventus will be pleased with a point. Arsenal won’t be too disappointed but they’ll know a chance to get through the group has been missed if they don’t win here.
Lina Hurtig almost makes an immediate impact as Arsenal’s most recent substitute. She meets a cross on the left side of the box and heads a shot into the side netting.
Arsenal 0-0 Juventus
21:33 , Mike Jones78 mins: Save! Daphne van Domselaar steps up at a crucial time for Arsenal. Arianna Caruso gets clear inside the penalty area and receives the ball.
She shoots and aims for the bottom right corner but the Arsenal keeper leaps to her left and tips it wide of the post.
Arsenal 0-0 Juventus
21:32 , Mike Jones75 mins: Beth Mead is now on the pitch for Arsenal. Can she be the difference between the teams? There’s 15 minutes left to play at the Emirates and a goal either way could decide the game.
Arsenal 0-0 Juventus
21:28 , Mike Jones72 mins: Stina Balckstenius has been a strong substitute so far. She’s making plenty of runs in behind and causing the Juventus defence to consider trackign back and breaking shape.
So far it’s not paid off for Arsenal but they look more threatening.
Arsenal 0-0 Juventus
21:27 , Mike Jones69 mins: Leah Williamson is on hand to meet another corner ball but decides to go for goal this time. Her header is decent but she can’t find the target.
Arsenal 0-0 Juventus
21:26 , Mike Jones66 mins: There are some changes to take note of.
For Juve, Hannah Bennison and Valentina Bergamaschi are off with Barbara Bonansea and Lisa Boattin brought on.
For Arsenal, off go Frida Maanum and Caitlin Foord for Beth Mead and Stina Blackstenius.
Arsenal 0-0 Juventus
21:22 , Mike Jones63 mins: Chance! Arsenal win a corner and whip it into the box. Leah Williamson does well to nod the ball down to Foord who turns it towards goal only to have her effort blocked and cleared.
Arsenal 0-0 Juventus
21:16 , Mike Jones60 mins: Close!
Katie McCabe and Mariona Caldentey combine with a slick one-two on the left wing before Caldentey slots a threaded pass into the middle of the box.
Frida Maanum arrives from the edge of the area and side foots a first time effort just wide of goal.
The best chance of the game so far.
Arsenal 0-0 Juventus
21:15 , Mike Jones57 mins: Arsenal have too often allowed Juventus to get back into their shape preferring to play safer passes which keeps them in possession.
They need to take more risks.
Arsenal 0-0 Juventus
21:12 , Mike Jones54 mins: Oh no! Kim Little plays a superb pass, one that has been lacking in this match so far. It cuts through the Juventus defence and finds Caitlin Foord’s late run.
Foord is wide open and just has the goalkeeper to beat but decides to square a pass into the six-yard box. Unfortunately there are none of her teammates around for an easy tap-in.
Arsenal 0-0 Juventus
21:10 , Mike Jones51 mins: Amalie Vangsgaard has been more alert and receptive in this half for Juventus. She’s won and held up an number of forward passes and is seemingly playing a touch higher up forcing the Arsenal defence to remain switched on.
The visitors are the ones who’ve started this half as the better side.
Arsenal 0-0 Juventus
21:04 , Mike Jones48 mins: Arsenal are forced wide again but they decide to run with the ball. Caitlin Foord and Emily Fox work it between each other before an underlapping run from Lia Walti sees the midfielder dart into the box.
She takes over possession but can’t create anything from a tight angle and the Juventus defenders sweep down on her quickly.
Second half! Arsenal 0-0 Juventus
21:02 , Mike JonesAs things stand both sides would still be able to get out of the group. If Arsenal win they will secure their spot in the next round.
There are no changes at half-time to speak off so it’s as we were.
HT Arsenal 0-0 Juventus
20:55 , Mike Jones
Half-time! Arsenal 0-0 Juventus
20:48 , Mike Jones45 mins: No added minutes to be played and the whistle goes to end the first half. Arsenal seem very frustrated out there.
Arsenal 0-0 Juventus
20:46 , Mike Jones42 mins: What will Renee Slegers think of this first half? Arsenal haven’t been near their best but that’s down to the performance of their opponents who have come here with the aim of no conceding a goal.
They’ve also managed to create a couple of decent opportunities though Van Domselaar hasn’t been tested yet.
Arsenal 0-0 Juventus
20:43 , Mike Jones39 mins: Caitlin Foord is the latest Arsenal player to try her hand at putting in a cross. Martina Lenzini leaps and heads this one clear as well.
If Juventus lose tonight they will be out of the competition. Their first aim is to avoid that happening.
Arsenal 0-0 Juventus
20:38 , Mike Jones36 mins: Juventus are having their moments. Sofia Cantore in particular has had a couple of chances in quick succession. The first saw her burst free down the left channel before cutting inside and smoking a shot into the hands of Daphne van Domselaar.
The second had the forward well placed in the box and she got a glancing header on a cross from the right which bounces wide of the far post.
Arsenal 0-0 Juventus
20:35 , Mike Jones33 mins: Katie McCade floats a cross into the penalty area from the left wing and has Alessia Russo as the target. The Arsenal forward is beaten in the air by Arianna Caruso who nods the ball clear.
Juventus seem very comfortable defending these crosses.
Arsenal 0-0 Juventus
20:33 , Mike Jones30 mins: Arsenal have totally dominated possession so far but they are being made to work for their chances. They are using the wide areas to decent effect but it’s tough for them to create anything inside the penalty area.
Arsenal 0-0 Juventus
20:29 , Mike Jones26 mins: Mariona Caldentey is pushed off the ball as Juventus look to burst up the pitch. Kim Little wins it back quickly for the Gunners though and they stifle the visitors attempted counter-attack.
Alessia Russo makes a run in behind but is flagged offside as the ball is playeed through to her.
Arsenal 0-0 Juventus
20:22 , Mike Jones19 mins: Arsenal have struggled to break down teams this season especially when they’ve set up in a low block like Juventus are attempting tonight.
Kim Little is trying to orchestrate things from the middle of the pitch but it’s all a bit lacklustre at present.
Arsenal 0-0 Juventus
20:18 , Mike Jones15 mins: Quarter if an hour played at the Emirates and nothing to separate the two teams. Neither team has had a shot on target yet with the Gunners slowly building into the match.
Arsenal 0-0 Juventus
20:14 , Mike Jones12 mins: A long ball comes forward to Sofia Cantore who is beaten to the ball by Leah Williamson. She turns it across to Steph Catley who hoofs the ball back up the pitch to clear Arsenal’s lines.
Arsenal 0-0 Juventus
20:11 , Mike Jones9 mins: Juventus held Arsenal to 1-0 for most of the game when the two sides met in Italy last week and they were solid enough until the closing stages were the Gunners ran riot.
Fox again skips free on the right wing but her cross is claimed by goalkeeper Pauline Peyraud-Magnin.
Arsenal 0-0 Juventus
20:07 , Mike Jones4 mins: Emily Fox gets forward on the right wing and swings a cross into the box. Juventus defend it without too much trouble but it’s been a decent start for the hosts.
Kick off! Arsenal 0-0 Juventus
20:04 , Mike JonesThis Champions League match is underway!
Arsenal’s leading scorer
19:55 , Mike JonesMariona Caldentey is Arsenal’s leading scorer in the Women’s Champions League and has found the net in each of her side’s three group games.
Will the midfielder add to her tally tonight?
Arsenal vs Italy
19:50 , Mike JonesArsenal have won six of their last seven encounters with teams from Italy (D1), scoring 16 goals and conceding just two.
In fact the Gunners’ first meeting with Italian opponents remains their only defeat. It was a 0-2 loss to Torres Terra Sarda in the 2004/05 Women’s Cup quarter-final first leg in Sassari.
They would ultimately progress to the semi-finals with a 4-1 victory in the home second leg.
Emily Fox on Arsenal’s growing confidence
19:45 , Mike JonesArsenal defender Emily Fox took the pre-match press conference alongside her manager and spoke about how the team are growing in confidence.
She said: “Right now, we’re all very confident in each other and ourselves. And I think with the entire team, we feel together. Each game has been very difficult and we’ve been learning from each and really finishing our chances and learning from the hiccups at the beginning of the season.
“I think with tomorrow, like Renee was saying, it’s another game, another challenge, and I think we’re up for it. And I think with just the variety of games and opponents that we’ve played, it’s given us more confidence in the sense that we can deal with anything.”
Slegers on Arsenal’s last match versus Juventus
19:40 , Mike JonesThe Arsenal interim boss said: “It was a hard game for us to play. It was 1-0 for a long time, we scored three late goals so they got a chance early in the game. So I don’t think there’s any sign of complacency amongst us. We know how hard it was, and in the end, we got a big result. But it took us so much to get there, both physically and psychologically.
“They know us very well now, and we know them very well. I think it’s a guessing game of what they will tweak and what they will do differently. From a coaching perspective, it’s fun because you have one performance and you play against the exact same opponent and the challenge you have in front of you is to try to do better.”
Arsenal’s players arrive at the Emirates
19:35 , Mike Jones
Renee Slegers: Arsenal moving from Emirates for men’s game is a bump in the road
19:30 , Mike JonesInterim head coach Renee Slegers believes Arsenal’s move to Meadow Park for their Champions League clash against Bayern Munich is a “bump in the road”.
Earlier this week the club announced that the game on December 18 will take place at Meadow Park after a fixture clash with the men’s team meant they were unable to play at the Emirates Stadium as had been planned.
Mikel Arteta’s team face Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals on the same day and the game cannot be moved due to Palace’s schedule as well as Tottenham playing Manchester United the following night.
Renee Slegers: Arsenal moving from Emirates for men’s game is a bump in the road
A defensive battle?
19:25 , Mike JonesArsenal have kept five clean sheets in their last six games against Italian teams while Juventus have kept six clean sheets in their seven previous away group games.
Whose defence will come out on top tonight?
Juve are strong on the road
19:20 , Mike JonesJuventus have lost only one of their previous seven away group matches (four wins and two draws).
But, that loss was a 1-0 defeat against Arsenal in 2022/23.
An unwanted record for Juve
19:15 , Mike JonesDefeat for Juventus would mean successive Women’s Champions League losses for the first time since 2020/21. They slumped to a 4-0 defeat at home to Arsenal last time out.
Fortress Emirates
19:10 , Mike JonesArsenal have won all four home European games this season, scoring 15 goals and conceding only one.
Gunners in form
19:05 , Mike JonesArsenal have lost only two of their last nine Women’s Champions League matches with six wins and one draw in that run.
Alessia Russo sets Arsenal on course to derby win over Tottenham
19:00 , Mike JonesAlessia Russo scored after 63 seconds to set Arsenal on their way to a 3-0 north London derby victory at Tottenham.
Russo’s early finish - the Gunners’ second fastest goal in Women’s Super League history - was added to by Frida Maanum and Stina Blackstenius to continue interim boss Renee Slegers’ impressive short-term reign.
Slegers, who replaced Jonas Eidevall on a temporary basis following his resignation in October, led Arsenal to a notable 4-0 win over Juventus in the Champions League on Tuesday before another dominant showing at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Alessia Russo sets Arsenal on course to derby win over Tottenham
Gunners triumph in north London derby
18:55 , Mike JonesArsenal are fourth in the Women’s Super League, with 15 points from eight games after an emphatic north London derby win at the weekend.
Alessia Russo, Frida Maanum and Stina Blackstenius scored in the 3-0 triumph at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Arsenal vs Juventus line-ups
18:51 , Mike JonesArsenal XI: Van Domselaar; Fox, Williamson, Catley, McCabe; Walti, Little; Mariona, Maanum, Foord; Russo
Subs: Zinsberger, Williams, Wubben-Moy, Codina Panedas, Mead, Kafaji, Hurtig, Kuhl, Blackstenius, Wienroither, Cooney-Cross, Reid
Juventus XI: Peyraud-Magnin; Lenzini, Calligaris, Cascarino; Bergamaschi, Schatzer, Bennison, Krumbiegel; Caruso; Cantore, Vangsgaard
Subs: Capelletti, Proulx, Kullberg, Lehmann, Rosucci, Girelli, Bonansea, Boattin, Bragonzi, Beccari, Thomas, Gallo
Slegers on how Juventus will approach the game
18:50 , Mike JonesRenée Slegers, Arsenal’s interim coach, spoke about how she expects Juventus to approach tonight’s fixture. Speaking at a pre-match press conference she said: “We have three or four scenarios in our heads so we have to be prepared for all of them.
“From a coaching perspective, it’s fun because you have one performance and you play against the exact same opponent and the challenge you have in front of you is to try to do better.”
Canzi on lessons from previous defeat
18:45 , Mike JonesThe Juventus boss added: “Compared to last week, we’ll need to be more clinical when chances arise. We’ll have to stay in the game for as long as we can, despite Arsenal’s strength.
“We’ll have to have balance and pay attention defensively, then hope to take our chances when things open up.”
Juventus coah on tonight’s match
18:40 , Mike JonesJuventus coach, Massimiliano Canzi, said: “It’s a game with a lot of meaning for us, not least that we want to show we are not who we showed ourselves to be a week ago.
“We know the importance of this game, we know our ability, and we know how to hurt our opponents.”
The last meeting between the sides
18:35 , Mike JonesArsenal came out on top in last week’s reverse fixture, winning 4-0 at Juventus to move into second place in Group C on six points from three matches.
Mariona Caldentey, Caitlin Foord, Stina Blackstenius and Frida Maanum were all on the scoresheet.
Chelsea ease into Women’s Champions League quarter-finals with win over Celtic
18:30 , Mike JonesChelsea eased into the quarter-finals of the Women’s Champions League with two games to spare after a 3-0 win over Celtic.
The Blues kicked off knowing just a point would secure a top-two finish in Group B and guarantee their passage to the knockout phase, after FC Twente lost to Real Madrid in the early match.
And Sonia Bompastor’s side maintained their 100 per cent record in all competitions this season, making it 11 wins out of 11 through goals from Lucy Bronze, Wieke Kaptein and a late Eve Perisset penalty.
Chelsea ease into Women’s Champions League quarter-finals with win over Celtic
Arsenal vs Juventus prediction
18:25 , Mike JonesArsenal ran out 4-0 winners in the reverse fixture and it should be equally as straightforward this time, as the Gunners continue their mini-resurgence under Renée Slegers.
Arsenal 4-0 Juventus.
Predicted line-ups
18:20 , Mike JonesArsenal XI: van Domselaar; Fox, Williamson, Catley, McCabe; Walti, Little; Foord, Maanum, Caldentey; Russo.
Juventus XI: Peyraud Magnin; Lenzini, Calligaris, Cascarino; Bergamaschi, Caruso, Schatzer, Boattin; Cantore, Vangsgaard, Beccari.
What is the early Arsenal team news?
18:15 , Mike JonesRenée Slegers has not confirmed any new injury worries for Arsenal after their win over Spurs, so the Gunners could go with a full-strength side in midweek, as they did when they won 4-0 in Italy.
Slegers singled out Alessia Russo, Mariona Caldentey, Kim Little and Leah Williamson for praise after the Spurs match, with all four in line to start in a game that is a must-win if the Gunners are to prevent Juventus leapfrogging them in the group.
Katie McCabe and Emily Fox will likely keep their places at full-back, with Kim Little and Lia Wälti anchoring the midfield.
In the forward positions, Caldentey may keep her place on the left after impressing at the weekend, while Caitlin Foord started on the right last week, and Frida Maanum played behind Russo.
Nevertheless, Beth Mead was preferred on the right against Juventus last time out, with Stina Blackstenius another option in attack.
Where can I watch the match?
18:10 , Mike JonesThe match will be broadcast live in the UK on DAZN, and subscribers can also stream the action online via the DAZN website.
If you want to stream major sporting events while you are travelling or watching from abroad you’ll need a VPN. Get the best VPN deals in the UK. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are, and also with the terms of their service provider.
When is Arsenal vs Juventus?
18:04 , Mike JonesThe match takes place on Thursday 21 November with kick-off set for 8pm GMT at the Emirates Stadium in London.
Arsenal vs Juventus
18:00 , Mike JonesArsenal host Juventus at the Emirates on Thursday evening in the fourth round of fixtures in the Women’s Champions League.
Renée Slegers’s side sit second in Group C with six points, though their previous victories against Valarenga and Juventus have put them in a good position to qualify if they can get another win tonight.
The Gunners enter the match off the back of a convincing 3-0 win over Spurs in the north London derby, though they’re six points adrift in the WSL, so the Champions League may already provide a more realistic chance of silverware.
The hosts won the reverse fixture 4-0 in Italy, though they’ll expect a tougher test as the Italian champions come to London looking to go level on points with the Gunners.
Good evening!
14:42 , Mike JonesWelcome to The Independent’s coverage of tonight’s Women’s Champions League action as Arsenal take on Juventus at the Emirates stadium.
The Gunners have won two of their three matches in the group stages so far and will move one step closer to securing qualification should they triumph tonight.
We’ll have all the latest team news, line-ups and updates throughout the evening so stick with us as we build up to kick off at 8pm.
