Arsenal Held by Paris FC After Late Penalty Drama in Champions League

Arsenal let a two-goal lead slip in Paris as Paris FC struck twice late on to earn a 2-2 draw, with a disputed and unusual penalty decision denying Renee Slegers’ side a much-needed European win.

What changed for Arsenal

Arsenal had taken control before Paris FC’s late surge. Alessia Russo put the visitors ahead in the 41st minute, collecting the benefit of a sharp combination with Georgia Stanway before finishing from the edge of the box.

Stanway then made it 2-0 five minutes after half-time. The former Bayern Munich midfielder arrived unmarked inside the six-yard area and converted a volley for her first Arsenal goal since joining in the summer.

Paris FC responded in the 72nd minute through captain Clara Mateo. She led a rapid break, got beyond Arsenal’s defensive line, rounded goalkeeper Misa and finished into an unguarded net.

The home side continued to press as Arsenal dropped deeper. Then, with three minutes left in normal time, a goal-kick restart produced the decisive moment. Misa played short to Leah Williamson, who picked the ball up to move it again after appearing to believe the kick had not yet been taken, or that it was to be retaken.

Referee Iuliana Demetrescu had already signalled for play to resume, however, and awarded Paris FC a penalty for handball. Arsenal’s players protested, but substitute Maeline Mendy converted low into the corner to complete the comeback.

Competition context

The result comes after a difficult start to Arsenal’s Women’s Super League campaign, in which they had won only one of their opening four league matches. Their display for much of the evening suggested a response was taking shape, particularly during a composed first hour in the French capital.

• Alessia Russo scored in the 41st minute.
• Georgia Stanway doubled the advantage in the 50th minute, her first goal for Arsenal.
• Clara Mateo began Paris FC’s recovery in the 72nd minute.
• Maeline Mendy levelled from the spot in the 87th minute.

Instead, Arsenal were left to reflect on a match in which a commanding position became a draw, with the late restart incident likely to remain the central talking point.

What is scheduled next

No subsequent fixture details were provided. Arsenal’s immediate task will be to regroup after a result that moved from a potential European victory to a frustrating draw in the closing stages.