by Olaf Goldbecker
Here’s a quick glance at the first leg of the eight matches. Winner of the day is England, as they are the only country with two teams in the competition and both having won their matches. Re-matches will be played on Wednesday and Thursday
Rossyanka v Torres 1:0 (1:0)
One goal happened, Torres scored – but into the own net. In an even match, Linda Tucceri Cimeni was the unlucky player who gave the Russian side the advantage for the second match in Sicily.
Zorky v Birmingham 0:2 (0:1)
Also the second Russian site did not score, but in contrast to Rossyanka they did not have the luck of an own goal. Quite in contrast, Birmingham – only a mid-table club in the 2013 WSL – captured a good 2-0 road win on goals by Isobel Christiansen and Josanne Potter
Arsenal v Glasgow City 3:0 (2:0)
Arsenal is an English institution in the Champions League but after missing qualification in the 2013 WSL season, their only chance in playing in Champions League 2014 is to win the title. The match against Glasgow got them one step closer. The re-match should only be a formal matter after Stephanie Houghton and Danielle Carter scored in half one before Ellish McSorley helped out with an own goal. 24-3 shots show the dominance in this game.
Hjorring v Tyresö 1:2 (0:0)
After Brondby’s early exit, the CL might see a quarter final without Danish representation. Hjorring delivered an open battle but Christen Press‘ goals made it improbable that Fortuna will make the next round. Nadia Nadim got her team on the scoreboard late in the match to at least make her team re-gain some hope.
Malmö v Wolfsburg 1:2 (0:1)
The Swedish side was the more active team but at the end of the day they finished the home game empty handed and with the big danger to drop to the defending champion. Alexandra Popp marked the first goal of the game before Ramona Bachmann tied the match in the middle of the second half. A penalty kick by Martina Müller decided the game late.
Konak v Neulengbach 0:3 (0:1)
Two sides you don’t necessarily expect in this round and even here the Austrian side was at least one class better than the opponent. 34-3 shots on goal prove that Neulengbach should have no problem bringing this match up home. Austrian National Team striker Nina Burger scored all three goals.
Barcelona v Zurich 3:0 (1:0)
Another game with a difference of at least one class, only problem for Barcelona was to convert chances after Sonia Bermudez got them on scoreboard already in the first minute. Vicky Losada in minute 70 and Bermudez again in the final minute cared for a fitting result.
Potsdam v Lyon 0:1 (0:0)
In a classy game Louisa Necib cared for the lonely goal of the day in minute 83 on a great assist by substitute Laetitia Tonazzi. Under the bottom line, it was a deserved win for Lyon.