Hurtig's late strike knocks Out Juventus as Arsenal progress

Lina Hurtig's late poke-in ensured Arsenal secured a spot in the Champions League knockout stage with two group games remaining, a 1-0 win over Juventus enough to put them clear at the expense ofthe Italian club.

- Suzanne Wrack

The Gunners needed a win to ensure progression to the quarterfinals following Bayern Munich's 1-1 draw with Valerenga in Norway. Instead of the Group C being finely poised, Hurtig's goal gave the Gunners the breathing room they so desperately wanted before they face Bayern at Meadow Park to likely decide who tops the group.

Renee Slegers's side were unchanged from the team that earned a comfortable 3-O win over Tottenham at the weekend, Katie Mc Cabe pushing forward when the Gunners were in possession leaving Leah Williamson, Steph Catley and Emily Fox to operate as aback three. It has been a successful play for Arsenal in recent weeks, the extra attacking player helping them pick open stubborn defences, but Juventus had done their homework and frustrated them for 88 minutes.

Slegers said there wouldn,t be "any sign of complacency," among the team despite the 4-0 defeat of Juventus in the reverse fixture the preceding week. It would be unfair to suggest that scoreline flattered Arsenal, but the game in Biella was far from easy.