On Wednesday evening in Denmark, Lithuanian champions Gintra faced their decisive second-leg clash in the UEFA Women’s Europa Cup final qualifying round against Danish runners-up FC Nordsjælland. At Right to Dream Park, the visitors from Šiauliai were handed a tough 0-5 defeat, bringing their European campaign to an end.
In the first leg at home, Steve Beeks’ side had claimed a narrow 1-0 victory thanks to an early second-half strike from Laura Spenazzatto. But in Denmark, the story was very different.
The hosts struck just two minutes into the match when Cecilie Larsen broke free and sent a precise shot into the far corner, making it 1-0. Although the Lithuanian champions managed to settle down after the early blow, the Danes maintained control and continued to create dangerous chances.
In the 19th minute, Nordsjælland midfielder Signe Antvorskov found herself unmarked just outside the box and punished Gintra with a composed finish to double the lead. Midway through the half, Anna Walter capitalized on another defensive lapse, putting the hosts 3-0 up.
Gintra did carve out opportunities before the break, with Briana Taylor and Laura Spenazzatto both threatening, but neither could find the net to restore hope.
After the interval, with nothing to lose, the Lithuanian champions pressed high and nearly pulled one back when Brianna Taylor intercepted a defensive error, but the Danish goalkeeper reacted sharply. In the 55th minute, Lidiane Ribeiro headed the ball into the net, but the assistant referee’s flag for offside denied Gintra their moment.
Nordsjælland regained full control as the second half progressed, dictating the tempo and keeping their opponents at bay. In the closing stages, the home side struck twice more, sealing a dominant 5-0 victory and their place in the next round of the competition with a 5-1 win on aggregate.
For Gintra, the result marks the end of their European journey this season.
FC Nordsjælland vs SC Gintra – 5:0 (3:0) – 5:1 on aggregate
Goals: Larsen 2′, Antvorskov 19′, Walter 25′, El Behery 87′, Marfo 90+2′
GIN: Lukjančuke, Oluwadamilola (Kubiliute 86′), Amorim, Beal, Romanovskaja, Mikutaite, Brown (Marroquin 70′), Spenazzatto, Ribeiro (Supelyte 86′), Taylor (Blazevičute 70′), Bowers (Proscevičiūte 87′)
Source: https://www.lff.lt/danijoje-patirtas-pralaimejimas-uzbaige-gintros-pasirodyma-uefa-europos-taureje/
