Glasgow City’s Champions League Dream Ends Against Brann

In the Women’s Champions League second leg match against Brann, Glasgow City fell short in their attempt to overcome Brann’s first-leg advantage. The Norwegian team secured a comfortable two-goal victory, sealing their spot in the group stage of the competition.

From the early stages of the game, it was evident that Glasgow City faced an uphill battle. Brann had already demonstrated their superiority in the first leg, scoring three goals within the opening 45 minutes. This dominant performance gave them a commanding 4-0 lead heading into the second leg, making City’s chances of progress seem unlikely.

Glasgow City, a club not directly connected to the financial backing of a larger men’s team, found themselves at a disadvantage in comparison to their opponents. Women’s football has evolved into a more professional era, leaving smaller clubs like City struggling to keep up with the financial demands of the game. Despite their previous quarter-final appearances in 2014 and 2019, City faced an uphill battle against a formidable Brann side.

Brann, who had scored an impressive 29 goals without conceding in their last eight matches, continued their dominance in the second leg. Rakel Engesvik, who had previously scored two goals against City, showcased her exceptional passing and movement skills, keeping the City defense on their toes. Though Engesvik appeared to have scored her sixth goal in six games, it was disallowed due to a handball infringement.

City goalkeeper Lee Gibson displayed her skills by denying a one-on-one chance for Austrian forward Larissa Crummer, pushing her shot over the crossbar. However, from the ensuing corner, Ingrid Stenevik’s effort was blocked in front of the goal. Despite City managing a few ventures forward, their decision-making and effectiveness in the attack were lacking.

Brann effectively sealed their victory when Marthine Ostenstad bundled the ball into the net after Gibson failed to properly clear an inswinging free-kick. With three-quarters of the game remaining, Brann had all but secured their place in the next stage of the competition. Gibson made up for the earlier goal by touching Marit Bratberg Lund’s curling free-kick over the crossbar after the break.

Head coach Martin Ho felt comfortable enough to substitute some of his key players after the hour mark, already looking ahead to their upcoming domestic match against Rosenborg. City had few opportunities to equalize during the match, with Scotland winger Lauren Davidson firing just wide in the 70th minute. However, Brann showed their dominance by adding a stunning second goal in the dying minutes of the game. Nora Eide Lie unleashed a thunderous 25-yard strike that flew past Gibson, leaving City crestfallen.

As Brann progress further in the Women’s Champions League, City now needs to focus on closing the five-point gap between themselves and current league leaders Celtic in the Scottish Women’s Premier League. Head coach Leanne Ross expressed her pride in the team’s effort despite the loss and acknowledged the challenges they faced due to injuries and illness that forced changes to the starting lineup. She also expressed gratitude for the depth of their talented squad but acknowledged the demanding schedule that pushed them to their limits.

So, while Glasgow City’s Champions League dream has come to an end, they will continue their pursuit of success in domestic competitions.