After a failed Champions League qualification, Häcken's women's football team had to settle for playing in the first edition of the European Cup. There, Inter awaited in the round of 16.
The Häcken players came to the home match after securing the Swedish women's championship series victory away to Djurgården on Saturday. The SM gold medal was celebrated in Stockholm.
“All the feelings”
We have had time to recover, but then there are some colds and such. Then you are a little mentally tired. All the emotions came out from the whole season, it has been a little challenge to recharge, says Anna Anvegård to Aftonbladet.
The Italians came into the game without Olivia Schough, who broke a finger in training last week.
The former Swedish national team player would probably have been needed on the field, because it was Häcken who dominated and had several goals.
However, Häcken scored the only goal of the match.
Already in the fourth minute, American Tabitha Tindell made a low pass into the penalty area, but it all ended with away goalkeeper Cecilía Rúnarsdóttir chipping the ball into her own goal after a pass from teammate Ivana Andrés.
"We're having a pretty good match. We're coming off a Swedish Championship gold celebration and we're doing really well. It feels like we could have scored another goal," says Anvegård.
Return next week
The return leg in Milan will be played on Wednesday next week.
"We will continue in the same way. We still created a lot of chances," says Anna Anvegård.
The second-placed Hammarby women's team has an even better starting position in their round of 16 match against Ajax after a 3-1 away win. Julie Blakstad, Anna Jøsendal and Ellen Wangerheim each scored a goal in Amsterdam before the home team reduced the deficit.
The return leg in Stockholm will be played on Thursday next week.
