LE TISSIER PENALTY DOWNS VALERENGA
Maya Le Tissier’s first-half penalty was enough to secure victory for Manchester United over Valerenga in their inaugural league phase UEFA Women’s Champions League match.
United dominated the match throughout and, though mostly happy to begin the campaign with victory, may feel they should have won by a greater margin.
Valerenga had the first good chance, and their only one of the match, midway through the first half when Karina Saevik played in Olaug Tvedten, but her effort was easily saved by Phallon Tullis-Joyce. This sparked United into life and shortly afterwards, Melvine Malard robbed Sara Horte in the Valerenga box before launching an effort which visiting keeper Tove Enblom stopped.
The penalty award was a little fortunate as Julia Zigiotti flicked the ball into the area, striking Arna Eiriksdottir’s arm, which, although a little away from her body, was barely a yard from where the ball was kicked.
Le Tissier calmly sent the goalkeeper the wrong way from the spot to give the hosts the lead, which should have been added to in the second half, with Jessica Park and Elisabeth Terland both failing to score when through on goal.
United’s next game in the Champions League is away at Atletico Madrid on Thursday, October 16.
