Russo powers Arsenal to victory as Man City suffer Greenwood blow

Alessia Russo scored twice to guide Arsenal to a 3-1 win over Valerenga in the Women's Champions League on Wednesday.

Victory over Juventus last time out had already secured the Gunners' lead into the last eight.

But they gave themselves the chance to finish ahead of Bayern Munich in Group C with a convincing away win in Oslo.

The in-form Russo opened the scoring with a brilliant, curling strike in the 25th minute, set up by Frida Maanum, who turned scorer for Arsenal's second goal before half-time.

Russo doubled her tally after the break, hitting home a volley from Caitlin Foord's cross, before Tilde Lindwall grabbed a late consolation for the already eliminated hosts.

“I think we played well the whole game,” said Arsenal interim boss Renee Slegers. “I think we played the game very well considering the conditions and the type of opposition; we didn't allow them much.

“With a number of new players on the field and a number of new collaborations, I am very proud of the team. This was important for us to prepare for a decisive final match. That is why we are very happy with this.”

After winning four consecutive Champions League games for the first time since the 2019/20 season, Arsenal are one point behind Group C leaders Bayern before hosting the German giants next week.

Bayern won 4-0 against Juventus, who scored just one shot on target and 0.3 expected goals.

Jovana Damnjanovic, Pernille Harder, Klara Buhl and substitute Alara Sehitler were on target for Bayern, who have now lost just one of their last 19 home games in the competition (W15 D3) and scored 14 goals in their last three such encounters.

In Group D, Manchester City maintained their perfect record by beating St. Polten 2-0, although Gareth Taylor's team lost key defender Alex Greenwood to a serious-looking knee injury.

Greenwood had to be taken off on a stretcher at the Joie Stadium, where teenager Lily Murphy scored her first senior goal and Kerstin Casparij put the match past the visitors with her first goal for City.

“I waited two and a half years, better late than never,” said Casparij.

“We talked about being in the box more and I came forward a bit more.”

Holders Barcelona beat Hammerby 3-0, with Ewa Pajor helping himself to a brace before Aitana Bonmati completed a routine win.

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