Arsenal Secures Women's Champions League Group Stage with Dominant Win Over BK Hacken

Jonas Eidevall declared that Arsenal’s season “starts now” following their emphatic qualification for the Women’s Champions League group stage after a convincing win against BK Hacken. After trailing 1-0 from the first leg in Sweden, Arsenal turned the tie around with a 4-0 victory at Meadow Park.

The Gunners showcased their attacking prowess, with England international Beth Mead netting a stunning goal and substitute Frida Maanum sealing the win late in the match. Lia Walti and summer signing Mariona Caldentey also found the back of the net in the first half, putting Arsenal firmly in control.

“I’m really happy that one part of the season starts now,” Eidevall remarked. “We’ve grown with our performances and achieved the results we wanted. We can’t relax; we need to make the most of being in all four competitions.”

Despite some chances for BK Hacken, particularly from Anna Anvegard and Tabby Tindell, Arsenal’s defense remained resolute, minimizing any real threat. The victory sees Arsenal join Women’s Super League rivals Chelsea and Manchester City in the group stages, marking a significant moment as it’s the first time three English teams will compete in this format.

The journey to Meadow Park was complicated due to major public transport disruptions in London, but Arsenal’s path to the Champions League was clear. Determined to avoid a repeat of last year’s early exit in the qualifying rounds, the team set a dominant tone from the start.

Walti’s return to the starting XI revitalized Arsenal’s midfield, while Stina Blackstenius and Alessia Russo posed constant problems for the Swedish defense. Walti opened the scoring with a well-placed shot from outside the box, followed by Caldentey’s scrappy goal, which took a deflection before finding the net.

Mead’s dazzling third goal showcased her talent as she executed a brilliant volley after a clever setup from Katie McCabe. Maanum capped the evening with a tidy finish, wrapping up a well-deserved victory for the hosts.

Having reached the semi-finals of the competition in the previous season, Arsenal will be relieved to have successfully navigated the qualifying rounds this time. With mounting pressure on Eidevall to deliver silverware, this victory provides a crucial step in their campaign, as they aim to compete at the highest level alongside Manchester City, who triumphed over Paris FC 8-0 on aggregate.