Hoffenheim needed a big win against Arsenal on Wednesday, and they got it.
Unfortunately, the victory wasn't quite big enough to secure a quarterfinal spot in the 2021-22 UEFA Women's Champions League.
Needing to erase a 4-0 scoreline from the reverse fixture earlier in the group stage, the German side struck early and often against the visiting Gunners in Wednesday's group-stage finale, with Chantal Hagel's two-minute brace accompanied by goals from Jule Brand and Gia Corley as Hoffenheim punished their mistake-prone opponents.
However, the flood of goals fell just short as Hoffenheim claimed a 4-1 victory, with Arsenal's lone tally coming from a 38th minute Laura Wientorither own goal. The Gunners escaped the Dietmar-Hopp-Stadion with just enough of an advantage to secure second place in Group C, with Arsenal winning the head-to-head battle against Hoffenheim after the teams finished the group stage with identical 3-0-3 records.
Arsenal will find out their next opponents following the quarterfinal draw, to be held on Dec. 20.
Lyon, Barcelona, Bayern Munich win big
Elsewhere in the Women's Champions League on Wednesday, the three other matches were all decisive victories for the home sides.
Lyon confirmed their place atop Group D with a 4-0 win over BK Häcken. Catarina Macario, Ada Hegerberg, Amandine Henry and Janice Caymen were the goal scorers as the French club completed their undefeated run through the group stage and ensured that Bayern Munich could not pass them at the top of the group.
Speaking of Bayern, they were equally as dominant as they were 4-0 winners at home against Benfica. The Germans got their scoring out of the way early as all four goals came by the 49th minute.
Meanwhile, with Arsenal and Hoffenheim fighting it out for second place in Group C, Barcelona had already assured themselves of the top spot ahead of Wednesday's action. Nevertheless, the Catalans extended their perfect start to the competition with a sixth victory in six games, this one a 5-0 result against visiting HB Køge. Barca end the group stage with a staggering 23 goals for and just one goal against.