Caldentey stoppage-time penalty rescues Arsenal against HB Koge

Mariona Caldentey converted a penalty deep into added time as Arsenal opened their Women's Champions League campaign with a labored 1-0 home win over HB Koge.

Arsenal needed a penalty three minutes into stoppage time to edge Danish visitors HB Koge 1-0 in their opening UEFA Women's Champions League match. Mariona Caldentey converted from the spot after Selina Cerci was brought down inside the box.

Chloe Kelly had earlier thought she had given Arsenal the lead with an inventive finish past goalkeeper Alberte Vingum, but the effort was disallowed after a VAR review judged Stina Blackstenius offside and in the keeper's line of sight.

Despite controlling possession for long stretches, Arsenal struggled to create clear chances against a well-organized Koge defense, with several part-time players in the visiting squad. Manager Renee Slegers made eight changes from the weekend draw with Manchester United and introduced Alessia Russo for Blackstenius at halftime in search of a breakthrough.

The winner arrived late when clumsy defending from Koge conceded the penalty, and although Vingum got a hand to Caldentey's effort, she could not keep it out. Arsenal now face a demanding schedule in the competition, including trips to Barcelona and a meeting with Lyon.