The UEFA Women’s Champions League Group Stage kicked off as Barcelona beat Arsenal 4-1, Lyon and Hoffenheim also won, while Benfica held Bayern Munich.
Group C: Barcelona 4-1 Arsenal, Hoffenheim 5-0 HB Køge
Mariona Caldentey and Alexia Putellas both struck to give Barca a 2-0 interval lead over the Gunners. Asisat Oshoala extended the advantage and although Frida Maanum pulled one back, Lieke Martens made it 4-1. Only a Manuela Zinsberger penalty save prevented Alexia adding a late fifth for the hosts and holders.
Germany’s Hoffenheim defeated fellow debutants in Danish champions HB Køge, Katharina Naschenweng’s stunning strike being the difference at the break, Nicole Billa and Luana Bühler’s long-range lob put Hoffenheim in control, before Tine De Caigny bagged a brace.
Group D: Häcken 0-3 Lyon, Benfica 0-0 Bayern Munich
Melvine Malard had Lyon ahead after only ten minutes against Sweden’s BK Häcken, Catarina Macario got the second after half-time and then Stine Larsen headed a Selma Bacha corner into her own net.
Benfica keeper Letícia repeatedly frustrated Bayern and Lea Schüller in particular, who was also thwarted by the crossbar in the dying minutes. Cloé Lacasse twice went close for the Portuguese side.
Fixtures for Wednesday 6 October
Group A: Servette v Juventus (5.45pm), Chelsea v Wolfsburg (8pm)
Group B: Zhytlobud v Real Madrid (5.45pm), Breidablik v PSG (8pm)
Kick offs are in UK time and all live on DAZN YouTube.
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