In the first leg of the UEFA Women’s Europa Cup final qualifying round, Lithuanian champions FC Gintra claimed a narrow 1-0 victory over Danish Cup winners FC Nordsjælland on home soil.
Gintra, who began their European campaign in the second qualifying round of the UEFA Women’s Champions League, first defeated Romanian champions Farul Constanța 2-1 in their mini-group, but later fell 0-2 to Ukrainian side Vorskla Poltava, ending their bid for the main Champions League tournament. However, with the introduction of the new UEFA Women’s Europa Cup, Gintra’s European journey continued – dropping into the final qualifying round of the new competition, where they were drawn against Denmark’s FC Nordsjælland.
The match, played at the Šiauliai Central Stadium, saw a goalless first half. The second half brought more intensity from the Danish visitors, who picked up three quick yellow cards in their push for a breakthrough. But it was the home side who struck first – in the 58th minute, Madison Elizabeth Bowers found Brazilian player Laura Spenazzatto, who coolly slotted past the Nordsjælland goalkeeper to give Gintra the lead.
No further goals were scored, and Gintra will travel to Denmark with a slim 1-0 advantage to defend. The second leg is set for next Tuesday at 19:00, with the aggregate winner booking a spot in the main stages of UEFA Women’s Europa Cup.
FC Gintra vs FC Nordsjælland – 1:0 (0:0)
Goals: Spenazzatto 58′
