Welcome and Introduction
Welcome to the live coverage of the second leg of the Women’s Champions League play-off between Arsenal and Leuven. The first leg, played in Belgium, ended with Arsenal securing a 4-0 victory, presenting a significant challenge for Leuven to overcome in London.
I would love to hear from you. Whether it’s your predictions for the tie, what you might be giving up for Lent, or the snacks you’re enjoying while watching the game, please email me and share your thoughts.
Catch up on our Women’s Football Weekly podcast here:
Leuven’s Historic Campaign
Leuven are competing in the Women’s Champions League for the first time in the 2025/26 season. Although their chances of progressing are slim, they can hold their heads high regardless of the outcome at this stage.
Leuven’s coach, Arno van den Abbeel, appears resigned to the possibility of elimination but remains proud of his team’s achievements.
“[The players] have to be very proud of the road we took. Let’s enjoy our game. I am very happy we did something unique this year. We knew it would be a difficult assignment against Arsenal and, in the end, they proved to be on another level. Still, I am proud of my group. As a coach, you cannot feel otherwise when you reflect on what we have achieved in this Women’s Champions League campaign. It will not be easy to lift ourselves for the match in London, but we will give everything one last time and aim to leave the competition with our heads held high.”
Arsenal’s Approach
Arsenal manager Renée Slegers has emphasized the importance of maintaining focus and avoiding complacency despite the favorable first-leg result.
“Of course we know the scenario and that is important for us to know going into the game and what we want to achieve and how we want to do it. But the most important thing is that we keep our standards really, really high, regardless of the competition or scenario. And that’s important in the moment if we do all those humble actions on the pitch, because we know that sets the standard for us and gives us a good opportunity to be successful.”
Match Conditions and Context
Leuven faces the daunting task of scoring at least four goals in London to force extra time. The game is scheduled to kick off at 8pm GMT. Weather conditions may impact play, with torrential rain expected in England. It is hoped that the pitch has been adequately protected to allow supporters to enjoy a quality match.
Team News
Leuven’s lineup includes the return of Linde Veefkind, who missed the first leg due to suspension.
Leuven Starting XI: Seynhaeve, Janssen, Eveaerts, Mertens, Bosteels, Pusztai, Conijnengerg, Reynders, Hermans, Veefkind, Biesmans.
Bench: Lammertijn, Rispens, Nagy, Van Besauw, De Ceuster, Kuijpers, Heremans, Neyrinck, Ruymen, Dekker, Van Holderbeke.
Arsenal will be captained by Lotte Wubben-Moy this evening. Alessia Russo starts despite her busy schedule this season.
Arsenal Starting XI: Van Domselaar, Holmberg, Wubben-Moy, Codina, McCabe, Pelova, Caldentey, Maanum, Kelly, Foord, Russo.
Bench: Votikova, Borbe, Fox, Williamson, Catley, Little, Hinds, Harwood.
I am currently gathering additional news from Leuven and will provide updates shortly.
Stay Tuned
Stay tuned for further updates and detailed coverage leading up to kick-off. This match promises to be an exciting conclusion to the play-off tie.
