In the Group C match, Nigerian Asisat Oshoala haunted her
old club with a goal and an assist in their opening group fixture.
Arsenal lost for the first time since February as the
formidable and prolific LaLiga champions made a fine start to the new 16-team
group stage.
It was a match which pitted two of Europe’s most in-form
teams against each other.
It was one-way traffic from the outset at the Johan Cruyff
Stadium, with the quartet of Putellas, Caroline Graham Hansen, Oshoala and
Caldentey causing all sorts of problems.
The hosts were creative going forward and launched wave
after wave of attacks while dominating possession.
They immediately hunted in packs to recover the ball on the
occasions it was lost.
Arsenal goalkeeper Manuela Zinsberger was called into action
early to push wide Hansen’s effort and Oshoala fired a low diagonal shot
narrowly beyond the far post.
Marta Torrejon was next to test Zinsberger, but the Gunners
managed to hold out until just past the 30-minute mark.
This was when Zinsberger got down to push out Oshoala’s low
shot at her near post, only for Caldentey to react quickest to collect the
loose ball and slot in from close range.
Oshoala lashed into the side netting before the dominant FC
Barcelona did manage to double their lead just before the interval.
This was after Oshoala drove down the right flank and into
the penalty box before cutting back for UEFA Women’s Player of the Year
Putellas to guide home.
Things only got worse for Arsenal immediately after
half-time, with Oshoala easily racing away from Jennifer Beattie and picking up
a fine through ball before coolly finishing for FC Barcelona’s third.
Vivianne Miedema’s scuffed effort was easily held by
returning FC Barcelona goalkeeper Sandra Panos before Arsenal manager Jonas
Eidevall made a triple change.
He replaced his front three as Tobin Heath, Nikita Parris
and Caitlin Foord were all introduced at once.
Zinsberger saved from the dangerous Hansen with her legs and
the confident Caldentey narrowly missed picking out the top corner from
distance.
But Arsenal began to enjoy more success after the changes,
with U.S legend Heath shooting wide and Parris seeing an effort cleared off the
line by Mapi Leon.
This was after FC Barcelona substitute Martens had hit the
side netting with a great chance just minutes after coming on.
Arsenal did reduce the deficit and provided a glimmer of
hope of a late comeback when Heath’s excellent free-kick from the right bounced
in off Norwegian midfielder Frida Maanum.
However, Martens would not be denied as she went close again
before then finding the back of the net.
She was sent clear in behind England defender Leah
Williamson before nonchalantly lifting the ball over a committed Zinsberger.
FC Barcelona Women pressed hard to add even more gloss to a
one-sided scoreline and Zinsberger made a superb point-blank stop to deny Irene
Paredes.
Bruna Vilamala then headed narrowly wide.
Jordan Nobbs conceded a stoppage-time penalty kick with a
reckless sliding challenge on Putellas, who could not make it five as
Zinsberger made a fine save.