Arsenal victory over Juventus sees Aussies on the brink of Champions League knockout games

Matildas stars Caitlin Foord and Steph Catley have moved within touching distance of a place in the Women’s Champions League knockout phase after helping Arsenal beat Juventus 1-0 in London.

Vivianne Miedema’s hot streak continued. The excellent 16th-minute finish at Arsenal Stadium was her third consecutive goal since returning from a short break in Adelaide, and was enough to keep Jonas Eidevall’s side at the top of Group C.

A hard-fought victory over Australian Joe Montemurro’s Juventus team means a point at home to defending champions Lyon next week, who beat FC Zurich 4-0 to go above Juve into second, will send the English outfit through to the last eight of Europe’s elite competition.

Elsewhere, Bayern Munich scored a 3-1 home win over last season’s beaten finalists Barcelona to trail them only on goal difference at the top of Group D, while Matildas goalkeeper Teagan Micah conceded three times before being substituted after a collision with opposing forward Cloe Lacasse in FC Rosengaard’s 3-1 defeat by visiting Benfica.

Euro 2022 winner Leah Williamson was back in Arsenal’s starting line-up after recovering from three months out with a foot injury.

The captain almost watched the Italians take an early lead through Arianna Caruso, but the hosts settled into their groove and only the offside flag denied Stina Blackstenius a goal in the 12th minute.

Juventus’ let-off did not last long though, with the Gunners taking the lead four minutes later through their in-form Dutch attacker.