Women's Champions League: Wins for Arsenal and Man City

A brace by Alessio Russo helped Arsenal claim a 3-1 win at Valerenga in the Women's Champions League to take a big step towards securing top spot in Group C.

The Gunners were already guaranteed a quarter-final berth after a narrow victory at home to Juventus last month, but knew three points in Norway would keep alive the prospect of beating current leaders Bayern Munich to first position in the group.

First-half goals by Russo and Frida Maanum put Renee Slegers’ side in control before England forward Russo grabbed a second after the break to set up an eagerly anticipated clash at home to Bayern next week.

Arsenal settled early, but despite plenty of possession had failed to produce a single shot on target until Russo broke the deadlock in the 25th minute.

Quick feet by Maanum allowed her to run at the Valerenga defence before she found Russo, and the former Manchester United attacker brilliantly curled into the bottom corner.

It was 2-0 with eight minutes of the first half left when Caitlin Foord cut back for Maanum to score on her return to Oslo, having started her career at Valerenga’s rivals Lyn.

Arsenal were given a moment of concern before half-time when Russo was caught by a late challenge from Saedis Heidarsdottir and required treatment as her team-mates walked off.

However, Russo emerged for the second period and grabbed a superb second after 58 minutes.

Despite their win, Arsenal remain one point behind Bayern Munich in the group after the Germans strolled to a 4-0 defeat over Juventus.

Goals from Jovana Damnjanovic, Pernille Harder, Klara Bühl and Alara Sehitler mean that Arsenal will have to beat Bayern in London next week if they're to top Group C.

In Group D a serious-looking injury to captain Alex Greenwood