arsenal vs oud-heverlee leuven: Russo brace sends Gunners into UWCL quarter-finals
Arsenal progressed to the UEFA Women's Champions League quarter-finals with a 3-1 second-leg win over Oud-Heverlee Leuven at Meadow Park, completing a 7-1 aggregate victory. Alessia Russo struck twice, Mariona Caldentey converted a penalty and Leuven replied through Sara Pusztai in an entertaining tie that featured a lengthy VAR check and several tactical adjustments.
Match report: Russo shines as Arsenal close out tie
With a 4-0 advantage from the first leg, Arsenal made three changes to the side that started in Belgium. Smilla Holmberg, Lotte Wubben-Moy and Alessia Russo were named in the XI, while Olivia Smith sat out through suspension. The match kicked off at 8: 00 p. m. local (3: 00 p. m. ET) and Arsenal controlled large spells without needing to exert maximum intensity.
Russo opened the scoring midway through the first half with a composed finish after turning her marker and slotting the ball over the line. Leuven responded well and, after a lengthy video assistant referee delay that momentarily ruled a goal out for an offside in the build-up, Sara Pusztai calmly finished from close range to level the scores and give Leuven a deserved moment of celebration.
Arsenal regained control before the break and were awarded a penalty, which Mariona Caldentey tucked away to restore the lead. In the second half the hosts managed the game effectively and Russo added a third with another smart turn and finish, sealing the night and the tie for the holders.
Tactical takeaways and reaction
The selection tweaks suggested a desire to rotate while maintaining defensive stability. Wubben-Moy’s presence at the back helped Arsenal manage Leuven’s counter threats, and the front line’s rotation allowed Russo to exploit space between the lines. Arsenal’s ability to mix patient build-up play with quick, direct transitions proved decisive when opportunities arose.
Leuven boss Arno Van den Abbeel praised his players’ effort, noting they picked their moments and created chances despite the gulf between the sides on paper. He highlighted the team’s journey in the competition and expressed pride in their performance, even if the result ultimately favoured Arsenal.
Arsenal’s head coach emphasised the need for humility and consistency, stressing that maintaining standards in every match sets the tone for long-term success. Forward Alessia Russo underlined the positive atmosphere in the squad, pointing to high-intensity training and confidence as key factors behind recent form. Russo added that she is happy to play in different attacking roles, wherever she can score most goals.
Mariona Caldentey’s composed penalty and overall influence earned her recognition for the evening, while Russo’s two goals continued her strong scoring run in continental competition.
Looking ahead: Chelsea tie and the road to Oslo
Arsenal’s victory sets up a high-profile quarter-final clash with domestic rivals Chelsea, a meeting that pits two familiar top-level teams against each other for a place in the semi-finals. The tie will test Arsenal’s depth and resilience as they attempt to defend their title and navigate a congested calendar.
The competition’s final is scheduled for May 23 (ET), with the remaining knockout fixtures and draw shaping the path to that showpiece. Arsenal will also keep an eye on other English contenders still active in the competition as the tournament enters its business end.
For now, Arsenal can take confidence from a controlled second-leg performance that wrapped up a comprehensive aggregate win and kept their Champions League title defence very much alive.
