Defending champions Barcelona faced a tough challenge against Norwegian side Brann, securing a narrow 2-1 victory in the first leg of their Women’s Champions League quarter-final clash on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Paris Saint-Germain also clinched a 2-1 win on the road against Hacken in Sweden.

Barcelona dominated the match with an impressive 34 attempts on goal. Despite an early lead from Norway international Caroline Graham Hansen, Brann managed to level the score before halftime through Cecilie Kvamme. However, a 72nd-minute goal from Salma Paralluelo, her sixth in the competition, ultimately sealed the win for Barcelona in Bergen, positioning them favorably for the return leg at home.

Meanwhile, PSG secured their victory in Gothenburg with goals from defender Eva Gaetino and forward Tabitha Chawinga. Despite a brief equalizer from Hacken’s Rosa Kafaji, PSG coach Jocelyn Precheur expressed satisfaction with the win, acknowledging the rarity of winning away matches in such high-stakes encounters.

Hacken’s presence in the quarterfinals marks a significant achievement, being the first Swedish team to advance this far since the group stage was introduced. PSG, with their rich history in the competition as two-time runners-up, will be aiming to capitalize on their advantage in the second leg.

Both Barcelona and PSG now look ahead to the return fixtures with confidence as they seek to secure their spots in the semifinals of the Women’s Champions League.

With AFP

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