The first of the UEFA Women’s Champions League Round 1 clashes got underway yesterday. With plenty of Aussies in action, here is a wrap of the action.
A win to both Arsenal and PSV see them battle for a spot in the second round of the UEFA Women's Champions League. While Celtic look to keep their UWCL dreams alive, with a third-place play off after a loss to Levante.
Arsenal v Okzhetpes
The Gunners started their 2021/22 UEFA Women’s Champions League campaign with a convincing 4-0 win over Kazakhstan side, FC Okzhetpes.
New coach Jonas Eidevall was pleased with his side's performance, and has all eyes on Arsenal's clash on Sunday with PSV.
A tight turnaround before their next game means rotation to the squad is crucial in keeping players healthy. When asked if rotation to the squad for their upcoming fixture will see our Aussies make a start, Eidevall was hopeful the likes of Catley and Foord would be available for Sunday's fixture.
"But because we knew we were going to play two games, we didn’t want to start Beattie, Catley or Foord but I hope they will be available to do that on Sunday," he told arsenal.com
Steph Catley and Caitlin Foord made appearances off the bench, both coming on in the 62nd minute to make their first appearances for the 2021/22 season.
Lydia Williams remained on the bench in the 4-0 win.
The win notches their 40th win in the UWCL, putting them in amazing company with the likes of Lyon, Frankfurt and Wolfsburg.
Victory against PSV on Sunday will see Arsenal progress to the second round, with a home and away leg to follow.
Arsenal v PSV on Sunday, 2am AEST.
PSV v Lokomotiv
PSV had a nervous start to their UWCL campaign, conceding just four minutes into the fixture from a free-kick outside the box.
The Dutch side quickly rallied together and found the equaliser two minutes later, but they would have to wait for the second half to secure the win with goals in the 65th and 95th minute.
Amy Harrison came off the bench in the 70th minute to help secure the win, getting some crucial touches in the final third.
The win marks history for PSV, their first win in the UEFA Women’s Champions League.
Next up, PSV will take on an in-form Arsenal side. With a win on Sunday sending them into the second round.
PSV v Arsenal on Sunday, 2am AEST.
Celtic v Levante
Celtic, in their first-ever game in the UEFA Women’s Champions League, was defeated by Spanish side, Levante UD.
Levante took away a 2-1 win to reach the finals of the first round, now taking on Norwegian side Rosenborg.
An unlucky loss in a historic night for the club will see Celtic play in the third-place playoff, looking to secure their first UWCL win when they take on FC Minsk on Saturday.
Jacynta Galabadaarachchi remained on the bench in the loss to Levante, an appearance in Celtic's next game against FC Minsk will be Jacynta's debut in the UWCL.
Celtic v FC Minsk on Saturday, 8pm AEST.
