Manchester United Women made history with their first ever win in the Champions League proper against Vålerenga.
First half
In front of a rocking Progress with Unity Stadium, good work by Melvine Malard saw the ball laid off to Jayde Riviere who sublimely crossed for Elisabeth Terland but she could only guide her header wide.
United pushed for an opener and Hinata Miyazawa broke from midfield and smashed a long range effort at goal but it was well held onto by the visiting keeper.
Malard thought she may have won a penalty shortly after but the referee judged that the coming together with the Norwegian side’s defender did not warrant a foul.
Shortly after, it was the away side’s chance to threaten when they won the ball high up the pitch and Olaug Tvedten was put through on goal but she could only fire her effort at Phallon Tullis-Joyce.
United continued to push for an opener though and the lively Malard spurned a great chance one-on-one, finding the keeper rather than the goal.
The Red Devils finally got their chance when there was a clear handball in the area and Maya Le Tissier was given the opportunity to give her side the lead.
The captain made no mistake, sending the keeper the wrong way and giving United a priceless lead in the Champions League.
The first half came to an end with few chances for either side and Marc Skinner’s team entered the dressing room with a lead to protect.
Second half
The second half almost got off to the perfect start when a surging run by Ella Toone cut open the Norwegian defence. She found Terland in space who expertly slipped in Jess Park who smashed the ball goalwards but it was once again thwarted by Tove Enblom.
United kept pushing for that second goal and the active Toone sprinted at the Valerenga backline and played in Terland but her effort drifted wide of the far post.
The away side would not go down without a fight however, and Tullis-Joyce had to cut out a dangerous looking cross.
Malard responded with a couple of efforts that wildly flew over the bar for United.
Finally, the full time whistle blew and the United fans erupted as history was made.
The Red Devils must quickly change focus to the league as they take on Everton at Sunday lunch time.
Featured image Jan Kruger via Getty Images
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Alex Browne
Alex is a huge Manchester United fan, inspired by greats of his homeland such as George Best, Harry Gregg and Norman Whiteside. Alex has a Master’s degree from Queen’s University Belfast and La Universitat Rovira i Virgili in Tarragona, Spain. Having lived in the country since 2011, Alex is The Peoples Person’s Spanish football expert and is fluent in both Spanish and Catalan. He dreams of witnessing a United captain triumphantly hoisting the Premier League and Champions League trophy in the air once more.
