Mariona Caldentey joined Arsenal from Barcelona in July 2024
Interim Arsenal head coach Renee Slegers believes they can go all the way in the Champions League after coming from behind to beat Bayern Munich.
Mariona Caldentey scored a late penalty to send the Gunners through to the quarter-finals as Group C winners after an enthralling win over the German champions.
Slegers' side came into the game knowing only three points would put them top of the group, in a match that was moved from Emirates Stadium because of a clash with the men's Carabao Cup quarter-final against Crystal Palace.
After coming from behind to level in the second half, Spain forward Caldentey stepped up in the 86th minute to convert the spot-kick, which was won after her initial strike hit the hand of defender Tuva Hansen.
When asked by DAZN if Arsenal can reach the final, Slegers said: "We need to have that belief and we have that belief, especially after today.
"There are things we can do better in the game, but it was the same against Liverpool. We don't play our best game but still we found ways to win and that is a sign of a top team.
"The eight teams that are going through will be top, top teams. It's positive to see how women's football has grown and the football being played."
The Gunners took an early lead after Caitlin Foord's inswinging corner was turned into her own net by Glodis Viggosdottir, but Magdalena Eriksson levelled for the German champions after a well-worked corner.
Incredibly, Bayern came within inches of scoring a second own goal but the crossbar came to the aid of Sarah Zadrazil after she made a mess of clearing Foord's cross.
After waiting more than 18 months for a goal, former Chelsea defender Eriksson added her second of the night after getting the slightest of touches on Giulia Gwinn's free-kick into the box.
However, Arsenal were trailing for only a minute as Katie McCabe's deep corner was met by a cushioned volley from Alessia Russo to make it 2-2, with her fourth Champions League goal of the season.
Arsenal held on to the three points to end 2024 on a high after picking up 10 wins from Slegers' 11 games in charge.
On the tie being held at Meadow Park instead of the Emirates, Slegers added: "It's so intimate playing here because you are so close to the fans.
"It felt like a home game definitely. The pitch was much smaller. We feel good playing here, we feel comfortable and it was a good performance."
The Gunners, who avenged their 5-2 defeat by Bayern in October, will find out their last-eight opponents in the draw on 7 February.
Arsenal boss Slegers watching on at a rainy Meadow Park
Slegers continues impressive turnaround
After a poor start to the season and unrest in north London, Arsenal and Jonas Eidevall decided to part ways in October and the short-term future of the club was up in the air.
However, Slegers took the reins on an interim basis and did more than steady the ship after successfully guiding the Gunners to nine wins from 10 games - including five in the Champions League.
Arsenal put in one of their worst displays of the season in the 5-2 defeat at Bayern in the opening group game and their place in Europe looked at risk until Slegers took charge.
Wednesday's victory over the German champions has cemented the Gunners as a contender to win their second Champions League title after reaching the last eight for a joint-record 16th time.
Bayern boss Alexander Straus praised Arsenal to DAZN: "Coming and playing away at Arsenal and conceding the goals like we did today is very hard. We are human beings, we make mistakes.
"We should at least get a draw here today based on our performance. The girls really wanted to win this game because it is pride, and it's what we play for every time. Today we didn't have luck on our side. It was very even between two good teams."
The Gunners have won a brilliant five on the spin in the Champions League and remain unbeaten in Slegers' 11 games in charge.
As Arsenal embark on their winter break, the club's hierarchy have a decision to make regarding a permanent manager with Slegers doing all she can to stake a claim.
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