BARCELONA (The Thursday Times) — Frida Maanum gave Arsenal the lead and their defence held out for a 1-1 draw against Barcelona at the Camp Nou on Thursday, in a rematch of the 2025 Women’s Champions League final that Arsenal won for their first European title.
Caroline Graham Hansen equalised for the defending champions just before the hour, but Arsenal, under Renée Slegers, left Spain unbeaten with two rounds of the league phase still to play.
Maanum strikes first
Arsenal went ahead in the 22nd minute. Alessia Russo crossed from the left for Caitlin Foord, whose shot was saved by Barcelona goalkeeper Cata Coll, and Maanum followed up to score from the rebound.
Barcelona dominated the ball and the chances. Arsenal goalkeeper Misa Rodríguez made saves from Graham Hansen and Sydney Schertenleib, and Irene Paredes and Patri Guijarro both went close before half-time.
The equaliser came in the 59th minute. Esmee Brugts found Graham Hansen unmarked, and the Norwegian cut inside and finished into the corner, from Barcelona’s 23rd shot of the night. Aitana Bonmatí, a three-time Ballon d’Or winner, had come on early in the second half.
Arsenal had to defend deep for the last half-hour. Leah Williamson blocked a late effort from Schertenleib, and Coll came off her line to stop Maanum after Emily Fox had played her through. Russo sent a late shot over the bar.
Table after four games
The draw leaves Barcelona second in the league phase with 10 points from four games, behind OL Lyonnes on goal difference. Arsenal have eight points, level with Bayern Munich and Chelsea, and are fourth on goal difference.
Arsenal are now unbeaten in six matches in all competitions. They were without Stina Blackstenius, whose goal won the 2025 final, while Chloe Kelly, Mariona Caldentey, and Michelle Agyemang are still recovering from injuries.
In men’s football, Thursday also brought upheaval in England, where Crystal Palace sacked Pierre Sage.
