A bizarre late penalty cost Arsenal a win at Paris FC as they let slip a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 in the Women's Champions League. Leah Williamson put her hand on the ball from a goal kick, handing Paris a controversial spot-kick that Maeline Mendy converted.
Under-fire boss Renée Slegers looked set for victory when England duo Alessia Russo and Georgia Stanway scored either side of halftime. Russo opened her account in the 41st minute, rifling into the bottom corner after exchanging passes with Kim Little. Five minutes after the break, Stanway reacted quickest from Emily Fox's cross and fired home on the half-volley.
Clara Mateo reduced the deficit in the 72nd minute, rounding goalkeeper Misa Rodríguez and finishing neatly. Then with three minutes left, disaster struck: Rodríguez passed to Williamson, who put her hand on the ball to readjust, but referee Iuliana Demetrescu deemed play had resumed and pointed to the spot. Mendy scored from 12 yards to snatch a draw.
Slegers could only reflect on a big missed opportunity for out-of-form Arsenal, who had faced criticism after losing 1-0 at Chelsea on Sunday. The result leaves Arsenal still searching for consistency in the competition.
Sursa: ESPN Soccer · Rezumat de HeadlinesBriefing