Garefrekes gives Frankfurt the edge at Arsenal

Kerstin Garefrekes struck deep in added time to give 1. FFC Frankfurt a UEFA Women's Champions League semi-final first-leg win at Arsenal LFC.

Ciara Grant had earlier cancelled out Ana Maria Crnogorčević's opener in a tightly contested tie, but the home side were left reeling at the final whistle as Garefrekes turned in a Svenja Huth cross at the far post with virtually the last kick. Three-time champions Frankfurt will now look to complete their task in next Saturday's return.

Aware that the visitors had lost all their previous away legs this season, Arsenal attacked early, Alex Scott curling an effort into the hands of Desirée Schumann, deputising for injured Nadine Angerer, and the goalkeeper also denied Jayne Ludlow after a Stephanie Houghton cross. As well as Angerer, Frankfurt were without Fatmire Bajramaj due to a thigh strain and were having to defend, Ludlow heading an Ellen White centre just off target.

Gradually, though, Frankfurt began to take a grip, especially through Huth down the left. However, midfielder Sandra Smisek was forced off on the half-hour with a stomach strain and, before she could be replaced, Scott tested Schumann with a looping shot.

Dzenifer Marozsan, who had been an injury doubt herself, came on for Smisek, and Frankfurt found their shape, Melanie Behringer sending a thumping free-kick not far wide, while a swerving set-piece from Houghton made Schumann dive. Marozsan then danced through the Arsenal defence late in the half but could not beat Emma Byrne.

The visitors remained on top early in the second half, passing the ball slickly through the Arsenal midfield, and Crnogorčević had a shot deflected over following a fine Marozsan pass. When the duo combined again on 64 minutes, Crnogorčević slipped her strike past Byrne.

Despite that blow, Arsenal were level within five minutes, Grant rising high to head in Houghton's corner. With both teams looking for a second goal, Byrne denied Crnogorčević and, in added time, substitute Kim Kulig, but Garefrekes was to find a way past.