Arsenal 3-0 Linkopings: English side win Women's Champions League qualifier
- Published
Arsenal scored three times in the second half to progress to the final of the first qualifying round
Arsenal beat Linkopings in the semi-final of the first round of Women's Champions League qualifying.
The London side will face either Paris FC or Kryvbas Kryvyi Rih of Ukraine on Saturday for a place in the second round - the stage before the groups.
Alessia Russo, Amanda Ilestedt and Cloe Lacasse all made their Arsenal debuts.
All of the goals came in the second half in Sweden - Caitlin Foord and Lina Hurtig netted headers before Stina Blackstenius's late third.
Arsenal, who had England international Beth Mead on the bench after nine months out with a knee injury, missed a host of chances, with Kim Little having an early penalty saved.
Paris and Kryvbas Kryvyi Rih play in the other semi-final of Arsenal's section at 20:00 BST on Wednesday. Saturday's final will also be in Linkopings.
The 2023-24 Women's Super League season starts on 1 October, with Arsenal, who finished third last season, beginning their campaign against Liverpool at Emirates Stadium.
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