Arsenal rely on late penalty against Carusa HB Koge

Arsenal clinched a 1‑0 victory over Kyra Carusa’s HB Koge with an injury‑time penalty in the opening round of the Women’s Champions League at Meadow Park, London. Mariona Caldentey stepped up to convert, while Goalkeeper Alberte Vingum could only get a hand to the ball.

Kyra Carusa, the Republic of Ireland forward, led the line for the Danish underdogs and saw her team dominate possession early on. In the 17th minute she received a ball on the right flank and sent in a cross that was cleared. A half‑hour later she unleashed a long‑range effort that goalkeeper Anneke Borba gathered easily, and she chose not to pass to teammates.

Arsenal’s pressure finally paid off when defender Yukina Sakabe mishandled a ball inside her own area, gifting the hosts a penalty. Mariona Caldentey squeezed the spot‑kick past Vingum, who managed a touch but could not prevent the net‑ting.

Carusa had re‑joined HB Koge earlier this year on a free transfer from NWSL side San Diego Wave, marking her second stint with the club. Throughout the match she received limited service as Arsenal kept the ball and forced the Danish side into a defensive shape after the break.

Dominance without cutting edge

Despite controlling the game, Arsenal struggled to create clear‑cut chances. Chloe Kelly’s early strike was ruled out after VAR confirmed Stina Blackstenius was offside and in the goalkeeper’s line of sight. The Gunners’ lack of aggression in the final third left them reliant on the penalty.

Casparij's twists give Manchester City a point against Bayern

Manager Renee Slegers made eight changes from the side that drew 1‑1 with Manchester United, swapping in Alessia Russo for Blackstenius in search of a goal threat. The adjustment did little to alter the pattern, as Arsenal continued to dominate possession but remained toothless in front of goal.

Continental drama elsewhere

In other opening‑round action, Manchester City recovered from 2‑0 down to draw 2‑2 away to Bayern Munich, becoming the first English side to avoid defeat to the Germans in Europe. Carlotta Wamser scored in the 86th minute after Khadija Shaw missed a penalty, while Beth Mead’s late goal for Bayern came after a break‑down by Kerstin Casparij.

City’s win was marred by a smoke canister thrown onto the pitch, yet the goal stood. Later, Paris Saint‑Germain drew 1‑1 with Real Madrid after Felicia Schroder’s early strike was equalised by Sakina Karchaoui from the spot.

Looking ahead, Arsenal face a trip to the Nou Camp to meet Barcelona and a clash with Lyon, meaning the Gunners must sharpen their attacking edge if they are to progress in the competition.