Excitement builds in Europe as Rosengard celebrate - WOMEN'S FOOTBALL
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| EFE |
Several unexpected results in Germany and a newly promoted side overtaken by the favourites on the Swedish championship’s home straight have been creating a stir in the world of women’s football. Fans can also look forward to some exciting last-16 encounters in Europe’s most prestigious club competition. FIFA.com brings you all the latest news.
Europe: Bitter defeats for Liverpool and Bayern
Two top teams missed out on places in the last 16 of the UEFA Women’s Champions League. German champions Bayern Munich were narrowly defeated on the away goals rule after a 2-2 second-leg draw (first leg 1-1) against Dutch side FC Twente, while English giants FC Liverpool were beaten 1-0 in their return leg against Brescia to hand their Italian opponents a 2-0 aggregate win. The continent’s other leading sides did not encounter such problems, clearing the way for some fascinating duels in the Round of 16:
Brescia – Fortuna Hjorring
Atletico Madrid – Olympique Lyon
Slavia Prague – Zvezda 2005
Chelsea – VfL Wolfsburg
FC Twente – Barcelona
KIF Orebro – Paris Saint-Germain
Bardolino Verona – Rosengard
LSK Kvinner – 1. FFC Frankfurt
Germany: A weekend full of surprises
After disappointment in Europe, Bayern Munich’s players soon had smiles on their faces once again, making the most of their rivals’ slip-ups to extend their advantage at the summit of the Women’s Bundesliga. The holders beat Freiburg 1-0 after UEFA Champions League winners Frankfurt managed only a 1-1 draw against newly promoted Werder Bremen. Nevertheless, the team from Hessen remain three points behind the leaders in second place after DFB Cup champions Wolfsburg lost 1-0 to Sand, ending a run of 44 undefeated home league matches for the She-Wolves that began back in September 2011. Meanwhile crisis-hit former champions Turbine Potsdam missed an opportunity to climb the table as coach Bernd Schroder’s side played out a goalless draw with SGS Essen to remain second-from-bottom in the table.
Top three: Bayern Munich (16), 1. FFC Frankfurt (13), TSG Hoffenheim (11)
Sweden: Rosengard successfully defend their title
Although a shock appeared to be on the cards for some time in the Damallsvenskan, the overwhelming favourites ultimately came through to lift the trophy. Rosengard posted a resounding 5-0 win over Linkopings on the final day of the season to retain their championship crown and ensure that Eskilstuna United’s 2-0 victory over Kopparbergs/Goteborg was only good enough for second place. The league newcomers amazed fans and experts alike by heading up the pack until the penultimate day of the campaign, when they let their lead slip with a goalless stalemate against Linkopings. Nevertheless, Sweden’s surprise package and latest runners-up did have one title to celebrate as striker Gaelle Enganamouit’s 18 goals earned her the division’s top scorer accolade.
Top three: Rosengard (51), Eskilstuna United (50), Pitea (45)
Japan: Niigata off to a perfect start
The country’s six strongest sides have now begun the second phase of the current campaign, a mini-league in which each team starts with bonus points corresponding to their position in the regular season standings. Albirex Niigata celebrated a 2-0 victory against INAC Kobe Leonessa, leaving them as the only club yet to drop a point after their 3-1 win over Urawa Reds in the opening round of matches. Elsewhere Vegalta Sendai and JEF United drew 1-1 while Urawa defeated NTV Beleza 2-1.
Top three: Albirex Niigata (6), NTV Beleza (3), Urawa Reds (3)