09 September 2023 , 16:04
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Arsenal's Women's Champions League dreams were crushed after a shock penalty shootout defeat to Paris FC in the first qualifying round following a dramatic 3-3 draw.
Last seasons' semi-finalists needed to win to keep alive their hopes of reaching the group stage. But Arsenal crashed out when penalties were needed, after twice battling back to keep the game alive.
The Gunners had looked to have saved themselves when substitute Jen Beattie thumped home a 96th minute header to dramatically level the tie and send it to extra-time, Alessia Russo having earlier opened her account for the club. Louise Fleury's cool finish in the second half of extra time was restored Paris' lead, only for Russo to curl home her second.
But Paris finally advanced in the subsequent shootout - winning 4-2 - with Louna Ribadeira dragging home the winning spot kick after Frida Maanum and Russo missed for Arsenal.
The result means Arsenal won't even play in the group stages this season, a huge blow for the only English side to ever lift European silverware - winning the UEFA Cup back in 2008. Their shock exit leaves Chelsea and Man Utd and England's sole representatives in the Champions League this season - although United will have navigate the second round of qualifying next month.
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The Gunners had the better of a tight first half, but momentum swung thanks to a freak opening goal. Mathilde Bourdieu's cross swung wildly over Manuela Zinsberger and went back in off the post. And when the Paris forward got in behind Lotte Wubben-Moy only a minute later to add a second, Arsenal were in real trouble.
But two substitutes ensured about a fightback from the Gunners. New signing Russo replaced Stina Blackstenius before finishing calmly to drag Arsenal back into the tie.
Jennifer Beattie scores Arsenal's 2nd goal to send the tie to extra-timeThen Beattie, playing as a makeshift forward, headed home in injury time to ensure extra-time. Former French youth international forward Fleury had looked to have won it again for Paris after finding space in the Arsenal penalty area.
But once again Russo ensured there was another twist, the England international curling home a stunning equaliser to send the game to a shootout. But the England international missed the crucial fourth spot kick for the Gunners.
Kim Little and Katie McCabe both scored, but Frida Maanum, who also missed a huge chance in the final seconds of extra-time, saw her kick saved. And when Russo suffered the same fate the writing was on the wall for the English side. Her miss allowed Ribadeira to stroke home the winner for Paris and break Arsenal hearts.
Jonas Eidevall's side had defeated Linköping 3-0 on Wednesday in the first match of their qualifying mini tournament to progress to the final tie. But their failure to beat the third best team in France, means they will have to solely focus on domestic football this season.