arsenal vs oud-heverlee leuven — Russo brace sends Arsenal into UWCL quarter-finals
Arsenal completed a comfortable passage into the UEFA Women's Champions League quarter-finals with a 3-1 home win over OH Leuven at Meadow Park, making it 7-1 on aggregate. Alessia Russo struck twice and Mariona Caldentey converted from the spot as Arsenal advanced to face domestic rivals in the next round. The competition final is scheduled for 23 May (ET) in Oslo.
Match recap: control without needing to push
With a 4-0 advantage from the first leg, Arsenal were able to approach the second game with relative calm. The visitors threatened at times and were rewarded when Sara Pusztai equalised in the first half, slotting home a low finish from inside the six-yard area after a lengthy video assistant referee review had checked an offside in the build-up. The leveller was celebrated eagerly by Leuven but ultimately only temporary.
Arsenal had taken the lead earlier in the first half when Alessia Russo spun away from her marker and finished coolly to put the hosts ahead on the night. Mariona Caldentey then converted a penalty to restore Arsenal's cushion before Russo added a second with a smart turn and finish that confirmed the 3-1 scoreline at Meadow Park and a 7-1 aggregate victory.
Starting changes included Smilla Holmberg, Lotte Wubben-Moy and Alessia Russo coming into the XI for the home side. A number of substitutes were used as the game progressed, reflecting Arsenal's control of the tie and the manager's chance to manage fitness with the bigger fixtures ahead.
Tactical takeaways and standout performers
Russo was the obvious match-winner: her movement between the lines and willingness to take on defenders created problems all night. Her double showed an attacker comfortable playing both in wider, creative roles and through the centre — she later said she will play wherever helps her score the most goals.
Mariona Caldentey's composed penalty underlined Arsenal's experience in knockout ties; she led attacks well and linked up intelligently with midfield runners. In defence, Lotte Wubben-Moy offered stability and leadership on the right side of the back line, while the goalkeeper situation was managed carefully with squad fitness in mind.
OH Leuven showed spirit and carved out chances, and their boss praised his players for the journey they have taken. He highlighted the moments when his team looked dangerous and acknowledged Arsenal's quality — noting that small errors were punished at the highest level.
Outlook: an all-English last-eight and the road ahead
The win sets up a high-stakes quarter-final tie against a familiar domestic rival, a matchup that promises intensity given both sides' history. Arsenal's manager emphasised the need for humility and consistency despite the comfortable aggregate score, urging her players to keep standards high and focus on the details that deliver long-term success.
With the domestic calendar still to navigate and the Champions League run gathering pace, squad management will be key. Several players returned from knocks and small knocks were managed during the tie, giving the staff food for thought ahead of the quarter-finals. Other English clubs remain in European contention and will be fighting to join the Gunners in the latter stages.
Arsenal will now turn their attention fully to preparing for the quarter-final tie and the domestic fixtures that sit between now and the next Champions League date, while OH Leuven can reflect on a campaign that has taken them deep into the competition and provided experiences that can underpin future progress.
