– I would say that this is the most important match for Norwegian women’s football in many years. That’s what news’s football expert, Carl-Erik Torp, says about what is now clear. Vålerenga are ready for the group stage in the Mesterliga, as the second Norwegian women’s club after Brann were the first last season after the Mesterliga format was changed. Vålerenga won the first of two qualifying matches against Belgian Anderlecht 2–1 before they met again in Oslo on Wednesday evening. The Oslo team won there after a dream goal by Thea Bjelde from 20 meters before Janni Thomsen and Karina Sævik made it two and 3–0 for the home team. It was Vålerenga’s 16th win in a row and ensured that they won 5–1 on aggregate in the Mesterliga qualification. JUBILEE: Vålerenga could raise their hands in the air to celebrate their promotion to the Champions League. Photo: NTB – Very important for Norwegian women’s football – The victory means a lot for Vålerenga, and is also very important for Norwegian women’s football. It will help define the future of Norwegian women’s football and give more points in the ranking, says Torp. In a few years, the plan is that there will be a new European women’s cup in addition to the Champions League. With today’s victory, Vålerenga can contribute to Norwegian football getting more places when the new cup is in place. – With today’s victory, we can pass Sweden on league ranking points and be in the top seven leagues in Europe. It could mean three places in European games when the new league is in place. TOUGH DUELS: Vålerengas Olaug Tvedten was in several duels during Wednesday’s match. Photo: NTB Who Vålerenga will meet in the group stage will be determined on Friday 27 September, and the group stage kicks off on 8 October. The group stage will not take place in the same way as for the men, where all the teams are in one group. Vålerenga will end up in one of four groups consisting of four teams, where the two best from each group advance to the quarter-finals. Had to manage without the centre-back In the first match, much of the focus was on centre-back Michaela Kovacs when she first fixed 1–0 to Vålerenga before she was sent off later in the match. It made the teammates furious. The VIF player and Anderlecht’s Amelie Delabre ended up in an apparent 50/50 duel, with both slipping to reach the ball. It ends with Kovacs putting his leg in the thigh of the Anderlecht player, who howled in pain. The referee initially cleared the yellow card, but while Delabre was being treated she suddenly changed her mind. The result was a straight red card. – My God, you can see that it is she who enters Michaela. My God. It’s her on the other team tackling with two feet! That’s how it looked on the pitch too, said a frustrated Olaug Tvedten to news. The match finally ended with a 2–1 victory for Vålerenga. Published 25/09/2024, at 20.21 Updated 25.09.2024, at 20.37
ttn-69
Played for the Champions League – dream goal in historic Vålerenga match – news Sport – Sports news, results and broadcasting schedule
