Reuters Connect
NOS Voetbal•yesterday, 9:16 PM•Adjusted yesterday, 10:58 PM
Paris Saint-Germain started the quarter-finals of the Women’s Champions League with a 2-1 away win at Swedish side BK Häcken. Jackie Groenen was in the starting line-up for the French formation, but had to be replaced shortly before half time.
Later in the evening, Barcelona, which won the Champions League final 3-2 against VfL Wolfsburg in Eindhoven last June, recorded a 2-1 victory at Norwegian SK Brann.
BK Häcken had kept FC Twente out of the group stage of the tournament, only losing once to Chelsea. However, PSG, which finished first in Ajax’s group despite a defeat in Amsterdam, was not impressed and took the lead halfway through the first half.
A header from Tabitha Chawinga was saved by goalkeeper Jennifer Falk, but the ball fell at the feet of 21-year-old American Eva Gaetino, who reacted alertly and marked her Champions League debut with a goal.
Beginner alert
The home team had to make do with much less ball possession, but still went to the break with a 1-1 score. After a pushing error on Anna Anvegard, Rasul Rosa Kafaji was allowed to connect from eleven meters. The Polish Katarzyna Kiedrzynek grabbed the ball that was sent in at half-high, after which Kafaji headed in the rebound: 1-1.
AFPRusul Kafaji heads the rebound after her missed penalty
Shortly afterwards, the Dutch national team Groenen, the only Dutch player at kick-off, left the field with an apparent knee injury. The midfield star was replaced by compatriot Lieke Martens.
After halftime, a goal by Chawinga, who scored via the inside post, was disallowed due to offside. Fifteen minutes before the end she was allowed to throw her hands in the air when a passed cross landed at her and she didn’t think twice: 1-2.
Small victory for Barcelona in Norway
SK Brann received a visit from Barcelona, which won the Champions League for the second time in three years last season. The Spanish team, with Dutch international Esmee Brugts on the bench but world football player of the year Aitana Bonmati in its ranks, immediately took the initiative.
That quickly led to opportunities and also the opening goal. The Norwegian Caroline Graham Hansen, of all people, hurt her compatriots after nine minutes after a corner kick that she took herself. The attacker combined with two teammates and then hit hard.
EPACecilie Redisch Kvamme (right) with the 1-1 from a difficult angle
It was then thanks to Brann goalkeeper Aurora Watten Mikalsen that the score did not rise quickly. Brann even came alongside when captain Cecilie Redisch Kvamme passed Cata Coll from a difficult angle after a quick counter. To the visible disbelief of the maker herself.
Just before half time, Irene Paredes was close to taking another Spanish lead, but she hit the crossbar from close range. After the break, the siege of the Norwegian goal continued and the 1-2 seemed like a matter of time.
Brugts raid
This came in the 72nd minute after a flowing Catalan attack that was not countered by any Norwegian defense. Bonmati served Salma Paralluelo, who cleverly turned free and left Watten Mikalsen without a chance.
EPADe 1-2 van Salma Paralluelo in de maak
Brugts was eventually also allowed to make some minutes at Barcelona. She saw up close how Watten Mikalsen tipped Bonmati’s shot over the crossbar and limited the Norwegian damage.
Next Wednesday the returns are in Paris (9:00 PM) and Barcelona (6:45 PM).
2024-03-20 21:58:08
#PSG #Barcelona #win #Champions #League #Groenen #injured
