Caldentey penalty gives Arsenal late Champions League win over HB Køge

Mariona Caldentey converted a stoppage-time penalty as Arsenal opened their Women's Champions League campaign with a 1-0 home victory over HB Køge on Tuesday. The Danish visitors held out until the 93rd minute, when the spot-kick finally broke the deadlock after Selina Cerci was brought down inside the penalty area.

Watch the highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yh2sDfDE2J8

BBC Sport's match report said Renée Slegers made eight changes to the Arsenal side that drew 1-1 with Manchester United at the weekend. Chloe Kelly appeared to give the hosts an early lead, but a video review ruled out her finish because Stina Blackstenius was offside and obstructing goalkeeper Alberte Vingum's view.

With the match still goalless at half-time, Slegers replaced Blackstenius with Alessia Russo. The change did not produce an immediate breakthrough. Arsenal continued to control possession but struggled to turn that advantage into clear scoring opportunities, while Køge's defensive organisation kept the contest level deep into the second half.

BBC Sport's live coverage identified Yukina Sakabe as the defender who conceded the decisive penalty. Cerci moved the ball past her opponent before being fouled, giving Caldentey the chance to settle the match. Vingum got a hand to the low attempt to her right, but could not stop it crossing the line. Arsenal finished with all three points despite the late wait for their goal.

Afterwards, Arsenal defender Steph Catley told Disney+ that the team had expected a difficult game and praised Køge's defending. In comments carried by BBC Sport, she acknowledged that goals were proving harder to come by, while stressing the players' efforts to improve. Catley also credited Cerci's intervention and Caldentey's composure when the penalty opportunity finally arrived.

Køge forward Nadia Nadim said she was proud of a young side containing players with little experience at this level. Speaking to ESPN on Disney+, as reported by BBC Sport, she described the match as valuable experience despite the disappointment of conceding so late. Nadim said a change during the final half-hour had left the visitors less able to escape Arsenal's pressure.