Juventus Women Advance in Champions League with Extra-Time Victory

The Juventus Women continue their Champions League campaign, defeating Hammarby 3-1 in extra time to qualify for the third preliminary round. Hammarby took the lead in the 28th minute with a goal from Rehnberg, but Redondo equalized for Juventus. In extra time, Chiba scored two goals to secure the win for the Bianconere. Juventus will now compete in the final qualifying round for a spot in the league stage.

Match Report

Coach Guerrero made two changes to the starting lineup compared to the previous match against Torreense. Redondo replaced Capeta in the center of the attack, while Bonansea made way for Godø, with Serturini on the other wing completing the forward line. After a strong start, the visitors opened the scoring in the 28th minute through Rehnberg, who scored from close range assisted by Bragstad from a corner kick. Juventus reacted immediately, and 10 minutes later, Redondo equalized with a powerful first-time strike. Just before halftime, Pinto came close to giving Juventus the lead, hitting the crossbar from a dangerous cross. The first half ended 1-1.

Juventus showed improved performance in the second half. Serturini attempted a shot early on but kicked wide after a clearance from a corner. In the middle of the half, Pinto and Lenzini were replaced by Bonansea and Noordman. Towards the end of the half, Serturini and Redondo were substituted by Chiba and Capeta. In the 91st minute, Carbonell missed a golden opportunity to score the go-ahead goal; a great assist from Godø saw the Spaniard attempt a lob against the opposing goalkeeper but missed the target. The match went into extra time, where Juventus, despite regretting the missed chances, quickly took the lead in the fourth minute with the substitute Chiba, who cut inside on her left foot and fired a powerful shot under the crossbar. Ten minutes later, the Japanese player doubled her tally with a header from a Carbonell cross. In the second period of extra time, Juventus even had a chance for a fourth goal, but Capeta failed to capitalize. The match ended 3-1 in favor of the Bianconere, who secured their place in the third preliminary round.