Women’s Champions League: Arsenal run riot to close on last eight

Frida Maanum struck twice as Arsenal thrashed OH Leuven 4-0 in Belgium to all but secure their place in the Women’s Champions League quarter-finals.

The Gunners produced a thoroughly professional display at Den Dreef to take a commanding advantage back to London.

Barring a historic collapse in next week’s second leg, the Women’s Super League side have effectively booked their spot in the last eight.

Maanum breaks the deadlock

The hosts offered stubborn resistance during the opening exchanges of this knockout play-off first leg.

However, the Norwegian midfielder unlocked the Belgian defence midway through the first half with a stooping header.

From that moment, the visitors presented a constant threat to the Leuven backline.

Olivia Smith doubled the advantage before the break, sweeping home Chloe Kelly’s low cross.

It marked a rich vein of form for the Canadian international, tallying her fourth goal in as many games.

Russo adds gloss to victory

Any hope of a Leuven comeback was extinguished just seven minutes into the second period.

Maanum grabbed her second of the night, turning in a Caitlin Foord cut-back from close range to end the game as a contest.

Substitute Alessia Russo ensured the tie is surely over with a fourth goal late on.

The England striker applied a simple finish after being teed up by Smilla Holmberg.

The two sides will meet again on 18 February, with Arsenal holding an unassailable 4-0 aggregate lead.