Arsenal interim head coach René Slagers insisted his side can go all the way to the Women’s Champions League after they beat Bayern Munich 3-2 to top Group C.
Mariona Caldenti’s late penalty sealed victory for the Gunners, who needed to win the game to secure their quarter-final seeding.
Glodis Vigosdotti scored an own goal in the first half before Alessia Russo added the hosts’ second to level the match, and the Slagers believe they can mix it up with Europe’s best teams.
On his team’s chances of reaching the final, Slagers told DAZN: “We need to have that belief, and we have that belief, especially after today.
“There are things we can do better in the game, but it was the same against Liverpool [1-0 win on Sunday]. We didn’t play our best game, but still, we found a way to win and that’s the sign of a top team.
“The eight teams that go through will be top, top teams. It’s positive to see how women’s football has grown and how football is being played.”
A big three points to close out 2024 pic.twitter.com/fSKZ7LNHQ1
— Arsenal Women (@ArsenalWFC) December 18, 2024
Bayern’s clash was played at Meadow Park, controversially moved from the Emirates Stadium due to scheduling conflicts with the men’s team, as they played Crystal Palace in the EFL Cup quarter-finals.
Sledgers claimed his team felt just as comfortable in the smaller venue, though, and wanted to focus on the game.
He said: “Playing here is very intimate because you are so close to the fans.
“It definitely felt like a home game. The pitch was too short. We feel good playing here, we feel comfortable and it was a good performance.”
