Arsenal moved close to a Champions League quarter-final place after a 4-0 away victory over OH Leuven in the play-off first leg. Frida Maanum struck twice, Olivia Smith added another, and Alessia Russo finished the scoring, giving the defending champions a strong advantage before the return match.

Renee Slegers’ team controlled almost every phase and limited OH Leuven’s threat. Arsenal created 19 attempts and 2.67 expected goals, while the hosts managed five shots and only one on target worth 0.14 expected goals, underlining the one-sided nature of this Champions League tie.

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Historical data also favours Arsenal after this result.

That record gives Arsenal confidence going into the second leg, though the tie remains unfinished.

Maanum opened the scoring after 22 minutes, attacking Caitlin Foord’s cross with a low header. Arsenal then doubled the lead when Chloe Kelly drove a low ball across goal from the right and Smith arrived in space, guiding a composed finish into the corner on 37 minutes.

Soon after half-time, Victoria Pelova almost added a third but dragged a left-footed shot just wide of the far post. Arsenal increased the pressure and Maanum struck again, combining with Foord once more and tapping in from close range as OH Leuven struggled to clear inside the six-yard box.

OH Leuven rarely threatened but did test Daphne van Domselaar shortly after the hour. Alixe Bosteels tried a powerful effort from distance, which the goalkeeper tipped over, and that proved the hosts’ only shot on target. Arsenal’s defensive shape stayed compact and restricted meaningful penalty-area entries throughout the Champions League contest.

Smith’s performance matched the goal. The 21-year-old recorded a match-high five shots and 16 touches in the opposition box. Smith also completed six of ten dribbles and won eight duels, sharing the top figure with Laia Codina, highlighting how often Smith drove Arsenal forward in this Champions League encounter.

Russo completed the 4-0 scoreline with a simple finish after a deflected cross from the right dropped inside the area. Russo, who registered an assist when these sides met in the league phase, reacted faster than the defence and steered the ball beyond players on the line, strengthening Arsenal’s Champions League cushion.

Arsenal now carry a four-goal lead into the second leg and a record that favours teams winning Champions League first legs by three goals or more. OH Leuven must produce a major response, while Arsenal look well placed to manage the advantage and secure progression to the quarter-finals.