The coach Martin Sjögren emphasized in the pre-game talk the importance of having a brave defense and taking care of the ball to find solutions.
This lasted for seven minutes.
Then Ewa Pajor scored the leading goal for the Champions League winners of the last two years.
But a collapse similar to the away game did not occur. The intentions were still good, the work effort exemplary. Hammarby held their lines, bit back, and created some counter-attacks, but without the force and precision required to get a reward.
Strong second half
Ellen Wangerheim got the best equalizing chance just before the break, but the shot was blocked.
Instead, Pajor immediately increased the lead to 2–0.
Hammarby lifted their game after the break. Cathinka Tandberg wasted an early free shot. The attacks were longer, more dangerous, and the national team star Fridolina Rolfö & Co in Barcelona's defense were put in difficulties more often.
Aitana Bonmatí made it 3–0 with a bit of luck in the end.
We completely dominated at home. Now they closed more spaces, we didn't quite get it right, but we won 3–0 and qualified for the playoffs.
Now we want to win against Manchester City and win the group because it gives advantages, says Rolfö to SVT.
The meeting with Sankt Pölten remains in this Champions League adventure for Hammarby. The chance is good that "Bajen" takes third place in the group after the superior Manchester City and Barcelona.
A draw in Austria is enough.
Players were bid farewell
Under the closed roof of Tele 2 Arena, two players said goodbye.
Ellen Gibson, a constant in the A-team for 13 years and in the club since childhood, was bid farewell with a beautiful tifo.
National team defender Jonna Andersson leaves after three seasons, where she has played all matches in the Damallsvenskan, and moves back to Linköping.
I'll try to enjoy myself while I play, but it's clear that it's special since it's the last match, said Andersson to SVT before her farewell match at home.
Afterwards, she stated:
I think we did a pretty good job defensively. We held together well, had done our homework. It was a big step from the away game.
We should still be a little disappointed that we didn't score when we had these chances.
Henrik Skiöld/TT
Facts: Last round
TT
December 18: Barcelona–Manchester City, Sankt Pölten–Hammarby.
Manchester City and Barcelona are clear for the quarterfinals.
