Beth Mead insists Arsenal have achieved the 'minimum standard' after 'nerve-racking' night against BK Hacken

Putting behind the disappointment of their first-leg defeat in Sweden, Lia Walti, Mariona Caldentey, Frida Maanum, and Beth Mead propelled the Gunners into the group stages of the elite European competition, as they rose to the occasion against Hacken despite initial jitters on Thursday evening at home turf.

After the final whistle, Mead opened up about the tension surrounding the fixture.

"Don't get me wrong it was a long day and nerve-racking knowing the outcome if we didn't win," she admitted. "It's a minimum standard at Arsenal that we need to be in Europe and playing in the Champions League regularly and in the group stage, so it's been nice to get it over the line."

Mead's goal and performance were particularly sweet, considering her recent battle with injury. In late 2022, the 29-year-old suffered a serious anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury that sidelined her for months.

Reflecting on her journey, Mead said, "I feel like I've started the 2024-25 WSL season in a pretty good place, though my pre-season wasn't perfect. I had a bit of a niggle, but now I feel like I'm getting back into my stride. I can keep improving and building into the season."

Arsenal are set to face European heavyweights Bayern Munich, Juventus, and Norwegian side Valerenga in what promises to be a thrilling and competitive group stage. However, in the short term, they are preparing for an encounter against Leicester on Saturday in the WSL.