sport

Arsenal draw with Barcelona and strengthen knockout hopes

Barcelona had almost 70% of the possession, 24 shots, 51 touches in Arsenal's half and 11 corners, yet scored only once.

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Key facts

  • Barcelona had almost 70% of the possession, 24 shots, 51 touches in Arsenal's half and 11 corners, yet scored only once.
  • Arsenal drew with defending champions Barcelona on Thursday night, a result that improved their chances of reaching the knockout stages.
  • Criticism of Arsenal this season has centred on a lack of ruthlessness and an inability to turn dominance into wins. On Thursday the balance of the…

Barcelona had almost 70% of the possession, 24 shots, 51 touches in Arsenal's half and 11 corners, yet scored only once.

Arsenal drew with defending champions Barcelona on Thursday night, a result that improved their chances of reaching the knockout stages.

Criticism of Arsenal this season has centred on a lack of ruthlessness and an inability to turn dominance into wins. On Thursday the balance of the match ran the other way.

Frida Maanum opened the scoring against the run of play in the first half. Arsenal reached half-time still ahead, despite 18 shots from the hosts.

Barcelona's solitary goal later levelled the match. Arsenal held on for a draw and a point.

"This is a very different game to play but there are of course elements in the performance that we want — and need — to take forward,"Slegers said.

Slegers said the point was acceptable, though Arsenal had wanted all three."The one point is okay for us, though obviously we went for three,"Slegers said.

Slegers said games against Barcelona are always difficult because they are so good on the ball, and that Arsenal had shown a side of their play they need to produce in every match.

Dig deeper

Who is Frida Maanum?

She is a Norwegian midfielder for Arsenal Women who opened the scoring against the run of play.

Who is Slegers?

Renée Slegers is Arsenal Women’s head coach; she said the point was acceptable even though the side had wanted a win.

What are Arsenal and Barcelona in this match?

They are the women’s teams of the two clubs, meeting in the UEFA Women’s Champions League, where Barcelona are the defending champions.

Why does the draw matter?

A point away against the holders improves Arsenal’s chances of reaching the knockout stages, even though they did not take all three.

What is the criticism the result answers?

Arsenal have been faulted this season for failing to turn dominance into wins; here they took a point while Barcelona had most of the ball and the shots.

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