Arsenal are still in contention for promotion to the semi-finals of the Women’s Football Champions League. The Londoners fought a 1-1 draw with ÖFB team goalkeeper Manuela Zinsberger in the first leg of the quarterfinals on Wednesday evening thanks to a late goal once morest VfL Wolfsburg. Defender Laura Wienroither was not used by the hosts, so she has to wait for her first appearance for her new employer in the “premier class”.
In the 18th minute at Arsenal Stadium, Zinsberger made a good save from a shot by Tabesa Wassmuth, but had to reach back less than a minute later. Wassmuth had far too much space with a header and gave the 26-year-old from Lower Austria no chance to defend herself with a well-placed shot.
Arsenal, who are two points ahead of pursuers Chelsea in the English league but have played a game more, tried to push forward but were hardly able to create top chances. That hardly changed even following the change of sides, despite clear field advantages.
The leaders of the German Bundesliga were closer to scoring once more for the time being. And Arsenal were doubly lucky. Wassmuth hit the post first, then Zinsberger also deflected a shot from Jill Roord to the post (61st each). In the finish, the Londoners rewarded themselves for their tireless efforts. After a free kick played into the hole, defender Lotte Wubben-Moy (89th) completed the goal.
Coach Jonas Eidevall did not give Wienroither any playing time in the finish either, following she had played three times in a row in the league, once for more than 90 minutes. In the Champions League, the 23-year-old played ten games this season, including qualifying for 1899 Hoffenheim in autumn, twice in the group phase once morest Arsenal.
In Wednesday’s second game, Juventus surprised with a 2-1 win once morest Olympique Lyon. Bayern Munich with Sarah Zadrazil and Carina Wenninger lost 2-1 to Paris St. Germain on Tuesday and FC Barcelona won 3-1 at Real Madrid. Both return games will take place on Thursday next week.
