Mead Strike Sends Arsenal Through as Wasteful Gunners Edge Past Twente in Champions League
Arsenal secured their place in the Women’s Champions League knockout rounds with a narrow 1–0 win over FC Twente, despite another unconvincing display.
Beth Mead struck in the 10th minute, guiding a deflected effort into the bottom corner after sustained early pressure. It was the bright moment in a match where Arsenal dominated territory but failed to turn control into a comfortable scoreline.
Renee Slegers’ side pressed high, forcing Twente into mistakes, and Mariona Caldentey’s interception sparked the move that led to Mead’s winner. Russo, who set up the goal, had already seen one effort cleared off the line and later headed inches wide from a corner.
The second half brought more missed chances: Russo squandered three opportunities, including a late header off the crossbar, before substitute Frida Maanum had a goal-bound strike bravely blocked.
Despite their wastefulness, Arsenal climb to sixth with nine points and, as things stand, will be seeded for the knockout play-off round. To break into the top four and reach the quarter-finals automatically, they must beat Leuven on matchday six.
Analysis – Arsenal scrape through despite poor finishing
Arsenal once again controlled the match but failed to put the game beyond doubt — a recurring theme this season. Twente rarely threatened, managing only two attempts all night, which spared the Gunners from costly lapses.
Mead admitted the team lacked ruthlessness in front of goal, saying they “weren’t clinical enough” and should have taken more risks in attack.
There were positives: Caldentey impressed in midfield on her 80th Champions League appearance, while Mead and Olivia Smith were lively on the wings. Russo linked play effectively but couldn’t add to her competition-leading tally.
Manager Renee Slegers was unable to introduce Leah Williamson as planned, deciding it wasn’t the right moment to field a defender who hasn’t played since the Euros final.
Mead acknowledged that a top-four finish remains the goal but admitted Arsenal have fallen short of their best too often this season. Still, they achieved the most important task on the night: securing three points.
To stay in the hunt for another European title, they will need to be far more clinical.