Arsenal suffered a shock exit in the qualifying stages of the Women’s Champions League as they were beaten on penalties by French side Paris FC.
The Gunners, who reached the semi-finals of the competition last season, came from 2-0 and 3-2 behind to force a shootout after extra time.
However, Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie saved from Arsenal’s England striker Alessia Russo and Frida Maanum as the underdogs won 4-2 on spot-kicks.
Mathilde Bourdieu scored twice in two minutes early in the second half to put Paris firmly in control but Russo’s first Arsenal goal pulled one back before Jen Beattie’s header levelled matters deep into stoppage time.
Paris led again in the second half of extra time through Julie Soyer’s fine first-time finish, only for summer signing Russo’s fabulous 25-yarder to bring Arsenal level again.
However, Nnadozie – who surprisingly did not save a single spot-kick in Nigeria’s World Cup shootout defeat by England in the summer – was Paris’ hero as they progressed on penalties.
