Caitlin Foord scored 4 occasions as Arsenal beat Rangers in Champions League qualifying to arrange a gathering with Rosenborg.
Alessia Russo and Kim Little have been additionally on the right track for Jonas Eidevall’s facet, who now face Norwegian opponents on Saturday for a spot within the second spherical of qualifying.
Arsenal got here out of the blocks properly at Meadow Park and dominated the overwhelming majority of possession within the early phases.
Foord’s header from Mariona Caldentey’s cross would finally give them the lead, with the Ballon d’Or nominee grabbing an help on her aggressive debut for the membership.
It was a comparatively faultless efficiency from Arsenal within the first half, with their solely criticism being that they did not add to the lead.
Foord got here near doubling her tally on the night however was denied properly by Victoria Esson within the Rangers aim.
A promising begin after the interval from Rangers was shortly cancelled out by Arsenal’s ordinary dominance on the ball.
Foord would finally discover her second of the night simply earlier than the hour mark and the sport shortly spiralled uncontrolled for Rangers, who shipped a 3rd simply seconds later as Russo’s effort cannoned into the highest nook.
A fast flurry of targets for Arsenal and so they weren’t achieved there, as Foord’s gorgeous volley sealed her hat-trick ten minutes later. A masterclass in ending from the 29-year-old, who spearheaded a dominant show for her facet.
Little’s efficiency was worthy of some recognition on this conflict and he or she finally discovered it from the penalty spot, netting the fifth for her facet earlier than Foord pounced on a ball within the field to make it six for Arsenal.
Foord celebrates her opener
Rangers boss Jo Potter mentioned beforehand she wished to check her gamers in opposition to this degree of opponent – and the Gunners actually confirmed their superior high quality.
“Humiliating” for Rangers vs Arsenal
Sky Sports activities Information’ Jeremy Langdon at Meadow Park:
“Arsenal finish with six and four goal Foord is the player of the match. Humiliating for Rangers who were swept away after the the break and now face Atletico Madrid in Saturday’s third place match. Before Arsenal tackle Rosenborg for a place in the second round.
“The ultimate stats have been brutal. Arsenal six targets, 26 aim makes an attempt and 11 on the right track. Rangers not a single try on the right track. And just one in whole.”
Elsewhere in the Champions League
Saoirse Noonan scored a hat-trick as Celtic came from behind to beat KuPS of Finland 3-1 after extra-time.
Substitute Noonan’s 64th-minute header cancelled out Roosa Ariyo’s early opener for the Finnish champions.
Noonan then found the net twice in the first period of extra time to secure victory for the Scottish title holders, who will face Lithuanian side Gintra next.
Goals from Chloe McCarron and Demi Vance were not enough for Glentoran as they lost 3-2 against Slovenian side NS Mura, and Cardiff’s hopes of an upset quickly disappeared as they slumped 7-0 to Dutch club Twente.
What’s subsequent?
Arsenal will tackle Rosenborg on Saturday evening (kick-off 7.30pm) for an opportunity to progress to the second spherical of Europe’s premier membership competitors.
They’ll then kick off the 2024/25 Girls’s Tremendous League marketing campaign off with a conflict in opposition to final season’s runners-up Manchester Metropolis.
The sport will kick off at 12.30pm on September 22 and you may watch it reside on Sky Sports activities+.
Will probably be the primary of eight house video games performed on the Emirates Stadium this season, after the venue was confirmed as the brand new principal house for Arsenal Girls.
