Hurtig the hero after late goal sends Arsenal into Champions League quarters

Lina Hurtig's 89th-minute winner ensured Arsenal progressed to the quarter-finals of the Women's Champions League after beating Juventus 1-0 on Thursday.

After being frustrated for much of the match, Hurtig powered home from close range after Martina Lenzini's poor clearance to book the Gunners' place in the last eight.

Despite Arsenal dominating the early exchanges, it was Juventus who got their first goal in sight, although Eva Schatzer's effort for Daphne van Domselaar was easily collected.

In a first half with only two shots on target, both from the visitors, Renee Slegers' substitutes proved to make the difference for Arsenal.

Slegers introduced Beth Mead, Stina Blackstenius and Hurtig late on, with the latter somehow putting Kim Little's cross over the crossbar from five yards out.

However, the Swede would make amends for her earlier mistake by scoring a goal against her former club alongside fellow substitute Blackstenius, sending them out of the competition with two group games remaining.

Leaving North London late pic.twitter.com/rw4aTM5tra

— Arsenal Women (@ArsenalWFC) November 21, 2024

Meanwhile, in Group D, Barcelona moved closer to the quarter-finals of the competition with a convincing 4-1 win over St. Polten at the Generali Arena.

The reigning champions are still three points behind Manchester City after their 2-1 win over Hammarby and know a win against the Swedes next month will see them progress.

Kika Nazareth opened the scoring in the 20th minute after taking advantage of Kamila Dubcova's mistake and scoring her second from close range nine minutes later.

Barcelona were three goals up at half-time when Vicky Lopez scored her first goal in the competition, putting the result beyond doubt.

There was also a milestone for Alexia Putellas, who scored her 200th goal for the club with a well-taken effort into the far corner.

Valentina Madl took some of the shine off an otherwise impressive display from the visitors, who have now taken their tally to 20 goals in their four games in the competition.