Arsenal manager Slegers: Replay against Leuven presents a ‘distinct situation’
Arsenal will experience a sense of familiarity in Wednesday’s Champions League play-off round first leg as they prepare to take on OH Leuven in Belgium.
This matchup was the one that allowed Renee Slegers’ team to conclude their league phase with a 3-0 victory last December, making it unsurprising that they are considered strong contenders to progress in this two-legged contest and reach the quarterfinals, where Chelsea is waiting.
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Slegers, whose team enters the match following their success in the FIFA Champions Cup and a victory over WSL leaders Manchester City, is emphasizing the importance of humility to avoid any mistakes.
“This is a different situation [compared to the league phase] where there are two legs to play over 180 minutes,” she stated. “They are the first team to play at home, and we will host the second leg. Therefore, I will need to anticipate their strategy for the game. I believe it will be crucial for them to defend effectively against us.
“However, that will be equally vital for us, as I am certain they will attempt to create opportunities through quick attacks and counter-attacks, and we aim to prevent that. We respect who they are—they are at the top of the table in Belgium and have performed well in the Champions League.
“So even though we secured a 3-0 victory here last time, we remain very humble regarding the challenge ahead.”
In Wednesday’s other match, Paris FC will face Real Madrid in a rematch of their league phase encounter in the Spanish capital, where Caroline Weir scored a late equalizer for Madrid.
The incentive for Real is clear, as Barcelona awaits the winners of this matchup in the quarter-finals.
