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Friday, September 12, 2025

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United beaten in first leg in Norway

Manchester United must overturn a deficit to secure a place in the UEFA Women’s Champions League group stage after suffering a 1-0 loss to SK Brann in the first leg of their Third Round Qualifying tie in Bergen.

Marc Skinner’s side controlled proceedings for much of the match, played in front of a record-breaking 16,019 fans for a women’s game in Norway.

Ella Toone, former Brann striker Elisabeth Terland, and Melvine Malard all came close to breaking the deadlock, but United were thwarted by an inspired performance from Brann goalkeeper Selma Panengstuen. The decisive moment arrived in the 76th minute when defender Ingrid Stenevik headed home a Signe Gaupset free kick to give Brann a slender advantage.

United’s failure to find the net proved costly on the night, with Toone denied twice by Panengstuen in the first half, while Terland headed off target on two occasions and saw a long range effort deflected wide. Panengstuen’s heroics continued after the break, pulling off a stunning double save to stop Dominique Janssen and deny Malard’s header.

Despite dominating, United failed to convert their chances, and Brann capitalised with Stenevik’s late goal. United pushed for an equaliser, but Panengstuen’s diving save to deny Toone late on ensured Brann held firm.

The tie remains finely poised ahead of the second leg at Leigh Sports Village on 18 September. The winners will advance to the Women’s Champions League group stage, while the losers will drop into the Second Qualifying Round of the inaugural UEFA Women’s Europa Cup.