Dramatic win over Juventus

Eintracht Frankfurt Women have reached the second qualifying round of the UEFA Women’s Champions League thanks to a dramatic 5-4 victory over Juventus on penalties. 

Niko Arnautis’ charges pressed Juventus high up the pitch from the outset in front of 6,100 spectators at Deutsche Bank Park, but despite covering a great deal of ground against the deep-lying Italian outfit they lacked the necessary incision in the final third. Geraldine Reuteler had the best of Eintracht’s chances in the 19th minute when she fired wide on the volley, leaving the game goalless at the interval. 

Juventus take the lead, Prasnikar equalises

The deadlock was broken in the 48th minute when Sofia Cantore evaded her marker at a corner and poked in the opener for Juve from close range. Eintracht’s response was immediate, increasing both the tempo of the game and applying greater pressure – and they were rewarded in the 66th minute when Nicole Anyomi dribbled forward before finding Prasnikar to stroke into the empty net. Eintracht remained the better team after that, but as no more goals were scored the match went to extra time. 
 

Denied by the woodwork

Barbara Dunst hit the crossbar with a long-range effort in the 95th minute and Verena Hanshaw (99’) and Laura Freigang (102’) were also denied by the frame of the goal following a corner and a counter-attack respectively. There were no more goals in the second half either, forcing a penalty shootout.

Decisive shootout

Arnautis’ team held their nerve to win 5-4 on penalties and reward themselves for a fantastic performance and their tremendous fighting spirit.

Niko Arnautis: “It was a richly deserved win. We had the better chances. At the end it was a dramatic game and I’m really proud of my team, who played brilliantly against a big European side.”