Arsenal overturned relatively easily their one goal deficit on the night, winning 4-1 on aggregate and therefore qualifying for the relatively lucrative Group Stage.

BOREHAMWOOD, ENGLAND: Lotte Wubben-Moy and Stina Balckstenius of Arsenal warm up prior to the UEFA Women's Champions League 2024/25 Second Round Second Leg match between Arsenal and Hacken at Meadow Park on September 26, 2024. (Photo by Harry Murphy/Getty Images)
BOREHAMWOOD, ENGLAND: Lotte Wubben-Moy and Stina Balckstenius of Arsenal warm up prior to the UEFA Women’s Champions League 2024/25 Second Round Second Leg match between Arsenal and Hacken at Meadow Park on September 26, 2024. (Photo by Harry Murphy/Getty Images)

There were a few surprises in the staring XI that lined-up as follows: Zinsberger; Fox, Wubben-Moy, Codina, McCabe; Little, Wälti; Mead, Russo, Blackstenius, Caldentey

Jonas Eidevall had opted for a front two of Blackstenius and Russo, a surprising choice on the night with Wälti coming in for Cooney-Cross in a move to stabilise the midfield with extra experience.

“Not only the long distance shooting! The reason for it was that it is really important in building against Häcken and exploiting them that we had offensive full-backs and investing there, so we needed to balance that out against a strong counter attacking team,” Eidevall explained afterwards.

“We know that Wally is very good at organising our attacks and our defence. It was basically that, Wally’s qualities in organising and the counter pressure and to be more aggressive with Kim in our pressure, we needed to cover around.”

BOREHAMWOOD, ENGLAND: Mariona Caldentey of Arsenal during the UEFA Women's Champions League 2024/25 Second Round Second Leg match between Arsenal and Hacken at Meadow Park on September 26, 2024. (Photo by Harry Murphy/Getty Images)
BOREHAMWOOD, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 26: Mariona Caldentey of Arsenal during the UEFA Women’s Champions League 2024/25 Second Round Second Leg match between Arsenal and Hacken at Meadow Park on September 26, 2024 in Borehamwood, England. (Photo by Harry Murphy/Getty Images)

Arsenal struggled early on to break down the Häcken defense, who did try to press high at times instead of playing a low block and invite pressure. Wälti’s long range opener unlocked the game, Caldentey added a second before half-time that could have been disallowed for a Blackstenius offside. Mead scored a fantastic volley straight after the break and Maanum concluded with power from close range to finish with an excellent 4-0 scoreline.

Arsenal have been drawn in Group C and it is a tough draw with FC Bayern, Juventus and Valerenga.

The full draw is:

Group A and C are balanced while the top two teams from B and D should qualify easily for the knock-out stage.

BOREHAMWOOD, ENGLAND: Beth Mead of Arsenal celebrates scoring her team's third goal during the UEFA Women's Champions League 2024/25 Second Round Second Leg match between Arsenal and Hacken at Meadow Park on September 26, 2024. (Photo by Harry Murphy/Getty Images)
BOREHAMWOOD, ENGLAND: Beth Mead of Arsenal celebrates scoring her team’s third goal during the UEFA Women’s Champions League 2024/25 Second Round Second Leg match between Arsenal and Hacken at Meadow Park on September 26, 2024. (Photo by Harry Murphy/Getty Images)

Match dates are as follows:

Matchday 1: 8/9 October
Matchday 2: 16/17 October
Matchday 3: 12/13 November
Matchday 4: 20/21 November
Matchday 5: 11/12 December
Matchday 6: 17/18 December

Kick-off times: 18:30 CET/18:45 CET or 20:45 CET/21:00 CET

The full schedule should be known by tomorrow.

The knock-out dates are:

Quarter-final & semi-final draw
7 February, Nyon

Quarter-finals
First leg: 18/19 March
Second leg: 26/27 March

Semi-finals
First leg: 19/20 April
Second leg: 26/27 April

Final (Estádio José Alvalade, Lisbon)
23, 24 or 25 May tbc

As a reminder, the UEFA Women Champions League will also act as the qualifier for the FIFA Women Club World Cup 2026 and it would be great to see the club take part in that first ever tournament.