Two-time reigning champions Barcelona showcased their dominance once more by decisively defeating St. Pölten 7-0 in the Women’s Champions League on Tuesday.
Claudia Pina was instrumental in this performance, contributing two goals to the scoreboard. This victory follows Barcelona’s previous overwhelming triumph, where they defeated Hammarby 9-0 in the earlier round.
With this latest win, Barcelona has now accumulated six points, putting them level with Manchester City at the top of Group D, although City has a game in hand against Hammarby later in the day.
Meanwhile, Arsenal is bouncing back from a slow start to the season, finding their groove by scoring four goals in back-to-back matches in the competition, marking a 4-0 victory against Juventus.
The Gunners have now tied with Bayern Munich for the lead in Group C, with both teams boasting six points, while Bayern prepares to face Vålerenga, who have yet to secure a point.
In Barcelona’s match, they broke the scoring deadlock after 32 minutes when Ona Batlle delivered a precise cross from the left flank, allowing Ewa Pajor to score the opening goal from close range.
Shortly after, the team netted four goals within a span of just seven minutes, underscoring their offensive prowess throughout the match. Francisca Nazareth scored the second goal in the 38th minute by converting a loose ball, and Aitana Bonmatí extended the lead to 3-0 after capitalizing on a rebound from Carina Schlüter’s deflection of Vicky Lopez’s powerful shot.
Keira Walsh then scored with a well-placed shot from outside the box, followed by Pina doubling her tally with a volley, taking the halftime score to 5-0.
Pina added her second of the match from the penalty spot shortly after the break before Caroline Graham Hansen capped off the scoring.
As for Arsenal, under the guidance of interim head coach Renée Slegers, they are steadily recovering from their 5-2 defeat against Bayern in the opening round and a shaky performance in their domestic league.
Following a 5-0 win against Brighton in the Women’s Super League on Friday, the Gunners brought the same intensity to their European clash.
Frida Maanum opened the scoring against Juventus, a team that has been a powerhouse in the Italian league.
Late goals from substitutes Stina Blackstenius and Mariona Caldentey ensured the outcome was secure before Caitlin Foord brought the emphatic win to a close.