Arsenal thrashed Rangers 6-0 to edge a step closer to Champions League qualification.

Caitlin Foord scored four while Alessia Russo and Kim Little were also on the scoresheet at Meadow Park.

The Gunners entered at the first qualifying stage after finishing third in the Women’s Super League last season.

Round one involves two one-legged fixtures, with their victory confirming they will play Norwegian side Rosenborg for a place in the second qualifying stage.

Should they win that, they’ll face a two-legged qualifier for a place in the group stages.

Arsenal thrashed Rangers 6-0 to edge a step closer to Champions League qualification

Gunners boss Jonas Eldevall (middle) was delighted with his side's dominant performance

Arsenal scored six goals during their thrashing of Rangers at Meadow Park on Wednesday

Arsenal were eliminated in the second stage of first round qualifying last season after suffering a shock penalty shoot-out defeat by Paris FC.

Chelsea have automatically qualified for a place in the group stage after winning the WSL last season while Manchester City, who finished as runners-up, will enter at the second qualifying stage.

Arsenal dominated from start to finish against a Rangers side who have never reached the group stage of this competition.

The Gunners were camped in the Scottish side’s half and, after a number of half chances, took the lead in the 16th minute.

Mariona Caldentey whipped in a cross to the far post and a stretching Foord managed to head the ball into the bottom corner past Victoria Esson.

Arsenal should really have doubled their advantage before half-time, but goals in the 59th and 60th minutes put the game beyond doubt.

First, Foord curled in a fantastic finish after being picked out at the far post by Kim Little.

Caitlin Foord starred for Arsenal by scoring four goals in the Champions League clash

Rangers players struggled with the increased quality of Arsenal's players throughout the match

Rangers were still shell shocked when Russo fired in a third less than a minute later. The forward drove into the box and unleashed a thunderous strike past Esson.

Foord then grabbed her hat-trick in stunning fashion as she connected with Katie McCabe’s lofted pass to send a first-time volley into the top right corner.

Arsenal were given the opportunity to add a fifth when McCabe was tripped in the penalty area by Nicola Docherty, leading referee Rasa Grigone to point to the spot. Little stepped up and converted emphatically, firing into the roof of the net.

Foord then grabbed her fourth in the final minute as she finished tapped in from close-range after Rosa Kafaji’s shot had been parried by Esson.