Barcelona continued their dominant start to the defence of their Women’s Champions League title with a commanding 6-0 victory over Roma, while Arsenal surrendered a two-goal lead in a dramatic 2-2 draw against Paris FC.
The Catalan giants have shown few signs of being affected by the departure of former star Alexia Putellas, who joined London City Lionesses during the close season. Barcelona now have six points from their opening two league-phase matches, scoring 11 goals in the process.
Caroline Graham Hansen, who also scored in Barcelona’s opening 5-2 victory over Paris FC, broke the deadlock in Rome inside 20 minutes.
A Shukurat Oladipo own goal doubled Barcelona’s advantage before half-time, putting the defending champions firmly in control.
Claudia Pina added a third early in the second half before Graham Hansen completed her brace, taking her tally to three goals in this season’s competition.
Pina then scored her second of the night during the final 15 minutes, with Ewa Pajor completing the 6-0 rout late on.
Arsenal endured a far more frustrating evening in the French capital as Paris FC fought back from two goals down to secure a 2-2 draw.
After requiring an injury-time Mariona Caldentey penalty to beat HB Koge in their opening match, the 2025 champions found themselves on the receiving end of late spot-kick drama this time.
Goals either side of half-time from Alessia Russo and Georgia Stanway put Renee Slegers’ side in control.
Clara Mateo pulled one back for Paris FC in the 71st minute, but Arsenal appeared on course to protect their advantage until a costly incident involving captain Leah Williamson with three minutes remaining.
Goalkeeper Misa Rodriguez placed the ball inside the six-yard box and passed it to Williamson. The England defender handled the ball to reposition it before attempting to take a goal kick.
However, referee Iuliana Demetrescu ruled that the ball was already in play and awarded Paris FC a penalty.
Maeline Mendy converted from the spot to complete the comeback and earn the hosts a point.
Record eight-time champions OL Lyonnes were held to a goalless draw at home by Chelsea after two potential penalty decisions were overturned following VAR intervention.
Last season’s beaten finalists also had an opportunity to claim victory, but Salma Paralluelo’s effort was ruled out for offside.
Elsewhere, Bayern Munich secured an emphatic 3-0 victory away to Benfica, with Klara Buehl, Pernille Harder and Franziska Kett finding the net.
Juventus also claimed a 3-0 away victory against Hacken in Sweden, responding strongly to their defeat against Benfica the previous week.
