Arsenal progress in Women’s Champions League but lose Vivianne Miedema to concerning injury, Barcelona thrash Benfica

A potentially serious injury to Vivianne Miedema took the shine off Arsenal’s night as they qualified for the quarter-finals of the Women’s Champions League despite losing to holders Lyon.

Miedema left the field in tears on a stretcher with her leg strapped following an awkward fall on the stroke of half-time, just before Frida Maanum’s own goal gave Lyon the lead.

There was controversy about Lyon’s opener as a ball over the top was headed on by Vanessa Gilles; it bounced off Maanum, who claimed an offside in the build-up, but the goal stood.

Lyon defended bravely and scrambled a corner off the line before Christiane Endler saved Stina Blackstenius’ strike at the near post.

Arsenal will conclude their Group C campaign with a match against Zurich on December 21, knowing victory will guarantee them top spot in Group C.

Lyon will progress with a point against Juventus on the final day of the group stage, with the Italian champions keeping their hopes of progression alive with a 5-0 win over Zurich.

Cristiana Girelli scored four times, including two penalties, with Lisa Boattin also registering on the scoresheet.

Elsewhere, in Group D, Barcelona sealed their place in the last-eight in emphatic manner with a 6-2 victory over Benfica.

Barcelona only had to avoid defeat to go through, but they turned on the style to brush aside their opponents.

Irene Paredes gave Barca a seventh-minute lead in Lisbon and Claudia Pina eventually doubled their lead just before the break.

Aitana Bonmati made it three and Ana-Maria Crnogorcevic added the fourth before the hour mark.

Jessica Silva’s stunning goal gave Benfica a consolation before Barcelona goalkeeper Sandra Panos denied Nycole Raysla from the spot.

Ana Seica’s own goal restored Barcelona’s four goal advantage but Benfica were not giving up without a fight, Cloe Lacasse scoring a fine solo goal.

Substitute Mariona Caldentey added Barcelona’s sixth in the final minute.

Bayern Munich also sealed their progression with a 4-0 win at Swedish side Rosengard, a result that kept them level with Barcelona on 12 points.

Brazilian defender Tainara gave Bayern a first-half lead before Sydney Lohmann doubled the advantage after the break, with Georgia Stanway and Julia Landenberger following up to complete a dominant win.