India, Feb. 13 -- Defending champion Arsenal took a big step toward the Women's Champions League quarterfinals by routing OH Leuven 4-0 in the first leg of their knockout playoff round on Wednesday. After the victory in the inaugural Women's Champions Cup on Feb 1, Arsenal dominated from the start in Belgium to close in on a quarterfinal meeting against London rival Chelsea. Frida Maanum led the visitors with two goals, and Olivia Smith showed she was worth the record transfer fee Arsenal paid Liverpool for her in July.

Also, Kim Little came on as a substitute to play her 400th game for Arsenal. Maanum headed in the opener after meeting a cross by Caitlin Foord from the right in the 22nd minute. Smith doubled the advantage a quarter of a...