Caitlin Foord scored four goals as Arsenal cruised past Rangers in their first Women’s Champions League qualifying tie with a dominant victory.
Jonas Eidevall’s side, playing their season opener at Meadow Park, faced little resistance from the Scottish Women’s Premier League leaders.
After failing to advance from qualifying last season, Arsenal made sure to start strong. Foord opened the scoring with a header from debutant Mariona Caldentey’s cross and added a second shortly after the break.
England striker Alessia Russo extended the lead to 3-0 with a powerful strike, before Foord secured her hat-trick with a stunning volley.
Captain Kim Little added a late penalty, and Foord rounded off the win with her fourth goal in the final minute, sealing an emphatic victory.
“When you see us play today, I enjoyed that because you see a connected team that defends together and works really hard,” said Arsenal boss Eidevall.
“It is an enjoyable team to watch, an even more enjoyable team to work with and we started the competitive season in a good way.”
The Gunners must navigate a final match of round one – they face Rosenborg on Saturday (19:30 BST) for a place in the second round of qualifying.
No scares for Arsenal this time around
Arsenal defender Leah Williamson acknowledged that last season’s early exit from the Women’s Champions League after a defeat to Paris FC was a “hurtful” setback for the club, and they were determined not to let it happen again.
Although Arsenal still have two more rounds to navigate before securing their place in the group stages, this opening performance was far more convincing.
Manager Jonas Eidevall’s decision to prepare with a pre-season tour in the United States paid off, as his team handled the match with ease.
Rangers, who had been in dominant form with 43 goals and no concessions in five league matches, were outplayed by Arsenal’s relentless passing and movement.
New signing Mariona Caldentey, a nominee for the 2024 Ballon d’Or, impressed in midfield, linking up with captain Kim Little and showcasing a free, roaming role.
With Beth Mead sidelined due to injury, Caitlin Foord stepped up brilliantly, and Eidevall took the opportunity to rotate the squad, handing a debut to summer signing Rosa Kafaji.
“I enjoyed it. I had fun. I was extremely excited to get back out there in Arsenal colours,” said Foord.
“Having the type of players we have on the ball to put those crosses in like that, I just knew I had to get on the end of them. I’m happy to see a few go in!”
For Rangers, it was an evening to forget but they will learn plenty from an encounter with one of England’s elite, who have a squad more than capable of challenging for the European trophy.
The SWPL leaders have never reached the group stages of the Women’s Champions League and they were always heavy underdogs in London.
“People will look at the scoreline and think one thing. But if you were here – we were in a game. We just have to learn from moments. It can’t go from two, to three, to four, that quickly,” Rangers assistant coach Jay Bradford told BBC Sport.
“We’ll learn from it. It was a big moment for us – we weren’t in the Champions League last year. It’s been an experience for the players and one they will learn from.”