Arsenal Women have been eliminated from the Women’s Champions League after losing to Paris FC on penalties on Saturday.
The London club, which reached the semi-finals last season, entered this year’s competition in Round 1, having finished fourth in the Women’s Super League.
They were drawn into Tournament 3 and beat Swedish hosts Linkoping 3-0 in the semi-finals earlier this week, setting up a final against Division 1 Feminine outfit Paris FC on Saturday afternoon.
Following a 3-3 draw after extra-time, Arsenal were beaten 4-2 on penalties to bring their European campaign to a premature conclusion.
Paris FC raced into a two-goal lead just after half-time, with Mathilde Bourdieu scoring a quick-fire brace before the hour mark.
Marquee summer signing Alessia Russo provided late hope of a Gunners comeback with a goal in the 80th minute, before defender Jen Beattie – brought on as a substitute to play up front – equalised six minutes into stoppage time.
Louise Fleury put Paris FC ahead again almost immediately from kick-off in the second half of extra-time before Russo scored another stunner with time running out to send the tie to penalties.
However, Russo and Frida Maanum missed for Arsenal in the penalty shootout as Paris FC secured progression into Round 2 of the Women’s Champions League.
Arsenal will now have to wait until October 1 to return to competitive action. They will face Liverpool at home on the opening weekend of the WSL season.
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