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Arsenal to Face Rangers in UEFA Women’s Champions League Opener

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2 weeks ago

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Arsenal Women Uefa Champions League

The 2024/25 UEFA Women's Champions League season is set to commence as Arsenal prepares to take on Rangers in a highly anticipated knockout match at Meadow Park this evening.

The match, scheduled for 7:30 PM UK time, marks a critical point for both teams, especially for Arsenal, who faced a tough exit in last season’s qualifying rounds.

Arsenal’s manager, Jonas Eidevall, expressed the team’s determination to move past the previous year’s disappointment and emphasized the importance of a longer pre-season to integrate new players. Key additions includes Rosa Kafaji and three-time winner Mariona Caldentey, who bring valuable Champions League experience.

If Arsenal successfully defeats Rangers, they will face the winner of the semi-final match between Atletico Madrid and Rosenborg, which will take place on Saturday.

Jonas Eidevall reflected, “We know how it feels like to win the mini-tournament, we know how it feels like to win the Round 2 Playoffs. We very much see ourselves as a European club, but we know it isn’t easy.”

Rangers, having been established in 2008, secured a spot in the Scottish Women's Premier League in their debut season. They became champions during the 2021/22 season, marking their first Champions League qualification. The team aims to capitalize on their prior experience in European competition, having come close to advancing last year.

Manager Jo Potter acknowledged the challenge ahead, stating, “The whole emphasis will be on [Arsenal] to beat us because that is probably what everybody expects.”

In terms of player availability, Arsenal will be without Beth Mead and Steph Catley, who missed the recent friendly against Southampton due to injury. Eidevall mentioned, “It’s a day-by-day thing,” indicating a cautious approach to player returns.

The match will be officiated by referee Rasa Grigonė, with her assistants being Ieva Ramanauskiene and Heini Hyvönen.

Fans can follow the action live on Arsenal.com, with commentary starting five minutes before kick-off.

Rachel Adams

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