Source :- PERTH NOW NEWS
Matildas stars Caitlin Foord and Steph Catley played starring roles as Arsenal held Women’s Champions League holders Barcelona to a 1-1 draw at Nou Camp.
Foord was a menace up front for the Gunners with her dangerous runs and was also unlucky not to find the scoresheet, while Catley was supreme at the heart of Arsenal’s busy defence.
Frida Maanum’s 22nd-minute effort gave the visitors the lead, but it also prompted a wave of Barca attacks.
In a rematch of the 2025 final, where Arsenal triumphed for a maiden European title, Renee Slegers’ side produced a similarly dogged defensive display to leave the Nou Camp with a point and extend their unbeaten run to six matches in all competitions.
Caroline Graham Hansen produced a leveller for Barcelona in the 59th minute after a one-sided first 45, but the points were shared after a more even second half.
The visitors should have taken the lead after four minutes when Foord raced away down the right and had a shot deflected into the path of Alessia Russo, but the England forward inexplicably headed wide with an open goal at her mercy.
It was immediately followed by a strong Barcelona response with Misa Rodriguez forced to deny Graham Hansen and Sydney Schertenleib in quick succession.
After Rodriguez thwarted Esmee Brugts, the breakthrough arrived but against the run of play it went to Arsenal after 22 minutes.
Russo did well down the left and crossed in for Foord, who was denied by Cata Coll but Maanum was first to the loose ball and fired under the Barcelona goalkeeper to make it 1-0.
Irene Paredes and Patri Guiiarro went close for Barcelona before half-time.
The defending champions turned to three-time Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmati early into the second half and equalised in the 59th minute.
Brugts spotted the unmarked Graham Hansen, who controlled and cut inside before she rifled into the corner.
Slegers reacted with Ona Battle and Olivia Smith introduced, which was followed by Russo sending an effort over.
Schertenleib went close next but Leah Williamson produced a timely block and it finished all square.
The result left holders Barcelona second on the table with 10 points from four matches while the Gunners, who are also unbeaten, are fourth two points behind.
with AAP
