Barça 3-0 LSK Kvinner: On great course for the semis

The Barça women have gained a fantastic three-goal head start for the second leg of their Champions League quarter final in Norway after a 3-0 victory over LSK Kvinner with two goals from Toni Duggan (2) and a penalty from Mariona delighted the 5,563 supporters at the Miniestadi.

Dream first half

The fans were treated to an impeccable performance, especially in the first 45 minutes, which saw their team take the lead before the ball had barely begun to roll. Marta Torrejón played it through from the wing before crossing back to Duggan, and the England international slotted home the opener.

The goal spurred Barça on to play dominant football, controlling the midfield and creating a constant onslaught on the opposition’s half. It wouldn’t be long before Martens was assisting Duggan for her second of the night, a deft finish that made it 2-0.

And still Barça pressed, eventually being rewarded with a third goal, this time after Torrejón’s shot stuck a defender’s hand and Mariona slipped in the penalty to make it 3-0.

Fortunes dip

The restart brought more of the same, but this time none of the chances were converted. Alexia and Mariona particularly tested visiting keeper Fiskerstrand, while her counterpart Sandra Paños only had to make one major save, and it was a good one.

Aitana, Andressa Alves and Andonova were the fresh legs that were sent out late, and all three had chances from distance. But although no further goals were forthcoming, the 3-0 lead that Barça will take to the second leg next Wednesday at 6.30pm CET means there is every reason to start making plans for a Champions League semi-final against either Slavia Prague or Bayern Munich (whose quarter final today ended 1-1).

MATCH STATS

FC Barcelona: Sandra Paños, Marta Torrejón, Andrea Pereira, Mapi León, Melanie, Hamraoui (Aitana, min.65), Vicky Losada, Alexia Putellas, Mariona, Martens (Andonova, min. 77) & Duggan (Andressa Alves, min. 69).
LSK Kvinner: Fiskerstrand, Wold, Gausdal, Haavi, Skinnes (Asland (min. 77), Syrstad, Reiten, Thorsnes (Elingsen, min. 90), Suphellen, Sønstevold, Bachor
Goals: 1-0, Duggan (min. 3); 2-0, Duggan (min. 24); Mariona (pen, min. 36)
Referee: Riem Hussein, yellow for Thorsnes.