Arsenal in late draw with Ajax as Rangers lose to Benfica Thriller – Women’s Champions League group stage | Football news
Arsenal still have a lot of work to do to reach the Champions League group stage after being held to a draw by Ajax on Tuesday.
The Gunners fought back to take the lead in the first leg of the second qualifying round at Meadow Park but were equalized by a late equalizer as the Dutch side secured a 2-2 draw.
Arsenal fell to Romee Leuchter’s effort after 17 minutes at Boreham Wood but equalized with a strike from Stina Blackstenius just six minutes later.
Kim Little then gave the hosts the lead from the penalty spot just before an hour but the second of the evening seven minutes from Leuchter’s time gave Ajax a solid draw.
Substitute Katie McCabe thought she gave Arsenal a belated win but her effort was ruled out for offside.
Scottish Champion Rangers will need to overcome a 3-2 deficit to move forward after they are defeated by Benfica at Ibrox despite Kayla McCoy’s two goals in a horror movie at Ibrox.
Rangers, bidding to reach the group stage for the first time, engaged in an eventful encounter with McCoy leading them after 25 minutes but Benfica beat Ana Vitoria with a brace.
McCoy responded to level the score again but the Portuguese side, who also hit the woodwork twice, won it in the 79th minute when Victoria Esson failed to block a ball that deflected the loop. by Lisa Martinez. The winner is then credited to Benfica captain Pauleta.