– If we go ahead, it will be historic, says media manager Mette Hammersland in Brann. A week ago Brann crushed what has been Scotland’s best team in the last 20 years. Glasgow City–Fire: 0–4. On Wednesday, it could be another setback for the Scottish ladies. Almost 6,000 tickets have been sold for the return match at Brann Stadion. Photo: Tuva Åserud / NTB – Absolutely huge Even if they do not want to take the victory in advance, there is a good chance that the Bergen team on Wednesday will qualify for the Meisterliga group stage, also known as the Champions League. In that case, they will be the first Norwegian team to do so. – I think it will be a much smoother and tougher match than it was in Glasgow, but we are prepared, says substitute captain Ingrid Stenevik. Vålerenga can also qualify. After a 2-1 loss in Spain, they get a visit from Real Madrid. In 2022, Brann was beaten by Svenske Rosengård, and did not progress to the Meisterliga. Photo: Johan Nilsson/TT / NTB – It is historic. No Norwegian team has entered the Meisterliga as the format is now, so it will be a feat, says Bernt-Erik Haaland, who is Bergensavisen’s expert on women’s football. – How big is it to get to the group stage? – It is absolutely enormous. Then you can risk meeting Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Manchester United – you can get the really big names. It is the biggest thing you can experience at club level on the women’s side, in the same way as for the men, says Haaland. Former Brann player and news expert Carl-Erik Torp sees the probable victory as an important victory for Norwegian women’s football. – Women’s football has fallen a little behind. We have a proud history, but if we get a place in the Champions League, I see it as a personal achievement, says Torp. He is not worried about the mountain team. – I have a calm faith that it will go well. They have a fantastic starting point. Carl-Erik Torp is not worried about Brann not getting into the Meisterliga. Photo: Julia Marie Naglestad / news – I don’t think they know what awaits them When Brann visited Glasgow on home soil last week, they played in a stadium that is not only smaller than Brann Stadion, but also smaller than Stemmemyren, where the fire women usually play their campaigns. Around 800 supporters had turned up. – Our 30 supporters created much more life than the other 800 did. I don’t think they know what awaits them, says Stenevik. The fire fans are “a bit crazy”, says Ingrid Stenevik. Photo: Marit Hommedal / NTB scanpix Almost 6,000 tickets were sold for the return match at Brann Stadion on Tuesday afternoon. – I think it’s very nice that people want to come to the match and support us in the decisive match in this qualification. It is clear that it means a lot to us, says Stenevik, who calls the fire fans “a bit crazy”. From 19.00 you can listen to the match on news Radio: Must play Meisterliga in the reserve arena There is therefore a good chance that Brann will progress to the group stage. But even if they were to draw the really big names, there is no chance of seeing either Real Madrid, Bayern Munich or Manchester United at Brann Stadion any time soon. Namely, the grass must be replaced. The Meisterliga must therefore be played at Åsane Arena. – Of course, it’s a bit boring that you don’t get a candle light and party night at Brann Stadion. I think everyone was hoping for that, says Torp. – But there can be nice settings at the Åsane arena as well. It’s a shame, but that’s just the way it is. There is no crisis in sport. Here at Åsane Arena, Brann can meet big teams such as Real Madrid and Manchester United. Photo: Linnea Skare Oskarsen / news
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Playing for a place in good company – news Vestland
