(Football news) Champions of Europe FC Barcelona emphatically defeated Arsenal 4-1 in the opening game of Women’s Champions League. In an utterly dominating first half display, Barcelona took the lead through Mariona Caldentey in the 32nd minute after the 25 year old scored from the rebound. Alexia Putellas doubled the lead in the 43rd minute after Asisat Oshoala's cut-back.

The Blaugrana were so dominant that they registered 19 shots compared to Arsenal’s none and spent almost the entire first half in the Gunners’ final third. Arsenal goalkeeper Zinsberger was forced to make some fine saves, especially from Caldentey and Ana-Maria Crnogorcevic. A goal from the home side at Estadi Johan Cruyff seemed more like an inevitable when rather than if and their relentless attack paid dividends soon after.

The second half started in a similar fashion with Caldentey playing Oshoala through on goal and the Nigerian confidently converted her chance to make the score 3-0 in the 47th minute. Just when the game seemed out of reach from Arsenal’s grasp, the Gunners brought forth Tobin Heath, Nikita Parris and Caitlin Foord and capitalized on a rare opportunity through Frida Leonhardsen Maanum who scored from the back post in the 72nd minute.

However, it seemed like a fleeting moment of brilliance as Barcelona returned to their dominant performance and scored their fourth of the night through substitute Lieke Martens in the 84th minute. It could have been much worse but Manuela Zinsberger saved a stoppage time penalty by Putellas who was fouled by Jordan Nobbs.

Arsenal will now face Everton Women in the Women’s Super League on Sunday before their second Champions League Group stage clash against Hoffenheim on October 14th.

Also read: Women’s Super League: Spurs climb second as Manchester City fall nine points behind leaders Arsenal