Match report: Hoffenheim 4-1 Arsenal Women

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WHAT HAPPENED

We booked our place in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Women’s Champions League on Wednesday night, despite losing 4-1 to Hoffenheim in Germany.

Jonas Eidevall’s went in at the break with the scores all square, but conceded three before the hour mark in what was a disappointing defensive performance.

After creating some promising early chances through Beth Mead and Kim Little, it was the hosts who opened the scoring after breaking free on the counter and playing through Jule Brand, who fired past Lydia Williams at the near post.

We responded well, though, and after Mead was slipped through down the right, she tested the keeper with a powerful effort and Mana Iwabuchi was on hand to convert the rebound.

Eidevall would have hoped to see his side kick on after the restart, but the hosts came out fighting once more, and Chantal Hagel restored their lead with an instinctive first-time finish.

Jen Beattie’s misplaced was then intercepted and finished by Hagel for her second of the evening, before Gia Corley made it three goals in the space of five minutes, heading beyond the reach of Williams inside the area.

The hosts continued to push forward in search of two late goals that would have seen them take our place in the knockout stages, but our defence stood strong as we surrendered possession in the final 20 minutes.