Arsenal stun Bayern to book European semi-final spot

Arsenal put in a stunning display at Emirates Stadium to come from behind in their Women’s Champions League quarter-final tie with Bayern Munich.

Frida Maanum scored one of the goals of the season when she struck the ball beautifully into the top corner after being teed up by a flick from Leah Williamson to open proceedings.

Bayern were shaken by Arsenal’s relentless pressing and with a record crowd for a women’s European match in England in attendance, they struggled to deal with an onslaught of pressure.

Stina Blackstenius capitalised to make it 2-0 when she headed in from close range and defender Lotte Wubben-Moy almost added a third but her cross clipped the crossbar.

Bayern goalkeeper Maria Luisa Grohs pulled off numerous saves in an inspired performance to keep the scoreline down at half-time, and the visitors did pose a greater threat in the second half.

German midfielder Lina Magull came closest when she had a shot blocked from close range before her header bounced dangerously wide off Arsenal defender Rafaelle Souza.

But Arsenal had done the damage in the first half to record a memorable victory in European competition and they remain in line to win three trophies this season.

Arsenal put down statement as they chase more silverware

Having already won the League Cup this season while remaining in touching distance of the Women’s Super League title, Arsenal showed at the Emirates why they are a team competing on several fronts.

Jonas Eidevall’s side looked up for the challenge from the first minute and were rewarded for their bravery on the ball and creativity with Maanum’s stunning opener.

The 21,307 in attendance – beating the previous record of 19,278 for a women’s European match in England set in the 2013 final at Stamford Bridge – were treated to some of Arsenal’s best football so far this season.

Dealt an early blow when captain Kim Little was fouled and forced off injured, Arsenal responded with aggression as Williamson thrived in midfield, having moved from centre-back to cover Little’s absence.

Maanum and Blackstenius stepped up to deliver much-needed goals as Arsenal’s star forwards Beth Mead and Vivianne Miedema watched in the stands with anterior cruciate knee injuries.

Australian forward Caitlin Foord, who Eidevall said earlier this week had been “an important player for Arsenal” this season, caused problems down the left, while Maanum’s runs from the centre led to anxiety in Bayern’s defence.

Roared on by an entertained crowd, Arsenal were forced to dig deep to hold strong as Bayern pushed for a goal late on, but the hosts did not falter.

They stunned holders Lyon in the group stages earlier in the competition and now have a place in the semi-finals with momentum on their side.

Arsenal have already ended a four-year wait to lift a trophy this season but they look hungry for more – and this was a statement performance in London.