Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie played a starring role as Paris FC defeated Arsenal Women in a dramatic Women’s Champions League clash that ended 3-3 in extra-time and was decided by a penalty shootout.
The Nigerian goalkeeper made two crucial penalty saves that inspired her team to victory. Despite Arsenal’s early chances, they struggled to break down the Paris defense in the first half. Paris FC’s Mathilde Bourdieu then stunned Arsenal with two quick goals in the second half.
With Arsenal facing a deficit, they showed more intensity in the final third. Alessia Russo capitalized on a defensive error to score for Arsenal, reducing the gap. Arsenal continued to push for an equalizer, and in added time, Jen Beattie scored a dramatic goal to send the game into extra time.
However, Paris FC quickly regained the lead in extra time, with Louise Fleury providing an unchallenged cross that Soyer smashed home. Arsenal once again responded with Russo scoring a brilliant 20-yard strike to level the score.
The game went to a penalty shootout, where Nnadozie’s heroics came to the fore. She saved a crucial penalty from Maanum, while her counterpart Manuela Zinsberger denied Daphne Corboz. Nnadozie then stuck out a strong hand to deny Russo allowing Paris FC to advance to the next round.