Melvine Malard, Manchester United v PSG, UWCL

Malard header ensures gritty Manchester United keep UWCL in reach

European football came to Leigh Sports Village for the first time on Tuesday as Manchester United made their Champions League bow against PSG. A second half display of character and grit saw Marc Skinner’s team fight back after an abject first half. Tabitha Chawinga had opened the scoring for the visitors, but Melvine Malard’s 70th minute header earned the hosts a draw.

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Chelsea v Vllaznia, UWCL

Cuthbert inspires Chelsea to Madrid victory

“There is a maturity to the team that’s coming through in each performance,” stated Emma Hayes after Chelsea secured their third victory of the 2022/23 Champions League campaign.

While it wasn’t a scintillating performance as the Blues saw their way through a potentially tricky Real Madrid encounter, it was one that was controlled and well managed. As Hayes pointed out, Chelsea’s experience showed as she labelled her group “the best team” she’s had. “When these teams are so evenly matched, I’m starting to see the benefit of our experience,” she said. “Look at my group and the leaders in my group. I thought two years ago, we had a decent amount of experience, but this team is another level.”

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Arsenal celebrate against Lyon in the Champions League

Arsenal in dreamland after waltzing past Lyon

If a lifetime of consuming football teaches you anything, it is to always expect the unexpected. But even with full awareness of that, some events just take you by surprise. Sitting in the Groupama Stadium watching Arsenal lead the European Champions 5-1 with 20 minutes to play was one such moment. Jonas Eidevall described it as “a special night” after his side inflicted Lyon’s heaviest defeat since April 2006.

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Arsenal v Wolfsburg, UWCL

Dreams made as Arsenal go toe-to-toe with Wolfsburg in North London

It is a very special moment being a childhood fan, being at the Emirates and scoring an important goal like that. You work with a player every day and they get to live a moment like this. We’re all very happy for the goal as a team but also for Lotte as an individual and understand that it’s a special moment.

As Arsenal manager Jonas Eidevall alluded to, football has a habit of tugging at those heart strings. Those special moments it creates were no better illustrated than when Lotte Wubben-Moy found herself in space in the box to hammer home a valuable equaliser for her side. Having come through the Academy and an Arsenal fan through and through, it was the perfect script for the young defender’s first start at the Emirates.

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Chelsea v Servette, UWCL

Champions League’s new addition propels competition to new level

I love the group stage. Such a great idea. It was so needed, and it’s really helped. I think it will help every team and develop the pool of quality teams across Europe.”

As the Champions League returned for its final two match days in the Group stage, Chelsea manager, Emma Hayes, made a ringing endorsement for the competition’s new format. Drama, high quality football, big stadia, increased visibility and much more – the Champions League Group Stage has had it all. As the final games of this new addition come to an end, it seems as good a time as any to reflect on what a brilliant adaptation it has been.

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