Roma Women Shock! Sporting CP Stuns in Champions League Qualifier!
AS Roma Women faced a tough challenge in their UEFA Women's Champions League qualifying fixture against Sporting CP, ultimately falling to a 2-1 defeat. The match, held on Thursday, saw Sporting CP displaying impressive form and securing a crucial away victory.
Key Moments from the Match
While Roma's lineup, featuring players like Lukásová in goal, Di Guglielmo and Valdezate in defence, and Bergamaschi and Giugliano in midfield, fought hard, Sporting CP's tactical approach proved decisive. Roma's manager, Luca Rossettini, opted for a 3-5-2 formation, but Sporting CP's 4-4-2 formation, led by Micael Sequeira, managed to exploit vulnerabilities in Roma's defence.
Yellow cards were issued to A. Rieke and G. Greggi of Roma, indicating a fiercely contested match. Substitutions were made by Roma throughout the game, including K. Kühl, M. Pandini, F. Thøgersen, and G. Galli, in an attempt to shift the momentum, but Sporting CP held strong.
Babajide's Trophy Ambitions
Nigerian international Rinsola Babajide, recently signed by Roma, expressed her desire to win trophies with the club. Speaking to SABC Sport, Babajide stated, "I joined Roma to get silverware as well... I’m literally wanting more silverware, that’s where my focus is and also, I want Champions League football." Despite the defeat, Babajide's ambition remains a driving force for the team.
Other Champions League Qualifying Results
Several other UEFA Women's Champions League qualifying matches took place on the same day, including:
- GKS Katowice 0, Twente 4
- Brann 1, Manchester United 0
- Eintracht Frankfurt 1, Real Madrid 2
- Häcken 1, Atlético Madrid 1
- Paris FC 0, Austria Wien 0
- Vålerenga 3, Ferencváros 0
- St. Pölten 3, Fortuna Hjørring 1
- Vorskla Poltava 0, OH Leuven 2
These results highlight the competitive nature of the UEFA Women's Champions League and the challenges teams face in reaching the group stage.