Arsenal challenges Barça at Camp Nou and takes the lead

The women's Arsenal defeated the women's Barcelona at the Camp Nou, drawing 1-1 thanks to the goals of Frida Maanum and Caroline Graham Hansen, and caused the Catalan side to lose the lead, which passes into the hands of OL Lyonnes.

It was Barcelona's first slip in the Champions under Romeu's direction. Arsenal had taken the measure against Barcelona before the match, according to perception.

Strategy and decisive moments

Barcelona kept its game plan unchanged, looking to control the ball and overwhelm Arsenal. In the Champions League final two years ago, Barcelona executed the same strategy of resistance and waiting. Alessia Russo had a chance at the four‑minute mark after a transition by Maanum, but her shot went wide. Graham Hansen provided an assist to Sydney Schertenleib, whose shot was deflected by Misa Rodríguez.

Esmee Brugts created several chances after actions by Graham Hansen, but Fox and then Misa Rodríguez prevented the goal. In the first half, the visitor's goal came after a play by Russo down the left wing that ended with a cross from Fox, and Maanum recovered the rebound to score, being the first goal Barcelona had conceded in the league phase of the season. Barcelona responded with a high shot from Paredes and a series of opportunities, including a Graham Hansen strike deflected by Misa Rodríguez, another from Sydney Schertenleib blocked, and a dead ball that brushed Pajor's boot. Before halftime, Maanum widened the lead, although ball control escaped her, and Graham Hansen hit the post after a cross from the left.

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Reactions and closing of the match

In the second half, Arsenal found options, but Graham Hansen continued to create danger, confronting Barcelona's defence with the help of Paredes and Misa Rodríguez. Aitana Bonmatí came onto the field and, after the appearance of the triple Ballon d'Or, the equaliser arrived thanks to another goal from Graham Hansen, who received the ball inside the area, beat Misa Rodríguez and shot into the top corner.

With half an hour left, the match balanced out, with chances from Russo and Maanum that ended in a clearance by Cata Coll. Barcelona sought victory until the final moment, but failed to finish, and suffered its first slip of the season, handing the lead to OL Lyonnes.

The referees were Ivana Martincic and the VAR was handled by Fran Jovic and Milica Milovanovic. Yellow cards were shown to Frida Maanum (54'), Aïcha Camara (65') and Alessia Russo (78'). In the lineup, Aitana Bonmatí, Olivia Smith, Ona Batlle, Kyra Cooney-Cross and Rosalía Domínguez were substituted at the indicated minutes.