Barcelona Hit Roma for Six as Arsenal Let Two-Goal Lead Slip in Women’s Champions League
Barcelona issued the loudest warning of the UEFA Women’s Champions League week, Arsenal surrendered control in Paris and Chelsea came through a tense night in Lyon unbeaten as Matchday Two opened across Europe.
The holders demolished Roma 6-0 in Italy, while Juventus and Bayern München also secured away victories. Paris FC recovered from two goals down to hold Arsenal 2-2, and OL Lyonnes and Chelsea cancelled each other out in a goalless draw.
It was a night that strengthened Barcelona’s early authority but also exposed how quickly momentum can turn elsewhere in the league phase.
Barcelona turn Rome into a statement
Barcelona arrived in Rome having opened their title defence with a 5-2 victory over Paris FC.
Their second European outing was even more emphatic.
Caroline Graham Hansen opened the scoring before combining with Clàudia Pina in the move that forced an own goal from Shukurat Oladipo. Pina then added two goals of her own as Barcelona accelerated away after the break.
Graham Hansen struck again before Ewa Pajor completed the 6-0 victory. Pajor’s goal took her to 18 in the competition’s group-stage and league-phase era, the highest total recorded in that span.
Barcelona have now scored 11 goals across their first two league-phase matches and ended Wednesday’s programme as the only side on six points.
For Roma, the contrast was brutal. After taking a point from their opening goalless draw against OH Leuven, they were overwhelmed by the reigning champions.
Arsenal lose control after going two ahead
Arsenal appeared to be heading for a second straight European victory when Alessia Russo and Georgia Stanway put them 2-0 up against Paris FC.
Russo finished a flowing move before Stanway scored her first goal for Arsenal, leaving the visitors in command either side of half-time.
But Paris refused to fold.
Clara Mateo pulled one back in the 72nd minute before substitute Maeline Mendy converted a late penalty to rescue a 2-2 draw.
The result leaves Arsenal with four points from their opening two matches after their Matchday One victory over HB Køge Women. Paris FC, beaten by Barcelona in their opener, collected their first point. (uefa.com)
For Arsenal, the frustration is obvious: two goals ahead, three points within reach, and then control surrendered.
Chelsea survive Lyon test
Chelsea’s trip to OL Lyonnes delivered fewer goals but no shortage of late tension.
The teams drew 0-0 after a contest that remained tight until the closing stages.
Lauren James went close for Chelsea two minutes from time, while Hannah Hampton produced a crucial save at the opposite end to prevent Ada Hegerberg from scoring what would have been her 70th goal in the competition.
Maika Hamano then dragged a late Chelsea opportunity wide in stoppage time. (uefa.com)
The draw gives Chelsea four points from two matches after their opening win over Austria Wien, while OL Lyonnes also remain unbeaten following their 8-0 Matchday One victory over Servette.
Juventus and Bayern strike away
Juventus recovered from their opening defeat to Benfica with a 3-0 victory away to Häcken.
Tatiana Pinto scored Juventus’ 100th goal in the competition before Emma Stølen Godø and Alba Redondo completed the scoring.
Bayern München also left it late in Lisbon.
Klara Bühl, Pernille Harder and Franziska Kett scored inside the final 17 minutes as Bayern beat Benfica 3-0.
Harder’s goal carried historical weight: it was her 50th in the Women’s Champions League/Women’s Cup, making her only the fourth player to reach that mark.
Matchday Two is not finished
Wednesday settled only the first half of the Matchday Two programme.
Manchester City host Real Madrid on Thursday, while Paris Saint-Germain face OH Leuven. Austria Wien play Inter and HB Køge Women host Servette.
That means the wider Matchday Two picture is still developing.
Barcelona, however, have already made their message clear.
Two games. Two wins. Eleven goals.
The champions have started their European defence with force.