Valerenga women secured a commanding 7-1 victory over Radomlje at home in the first qualifying round semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday. The match ended in the 87th minute after a final goal sealed the result. Radomlje pulled one back before half-time, but Valerenga's dominance was never in doubt from the opening whistle.
S. Brekken opened the scoring in the 21st minute, and Ronja Arnesen doubled the lead four minutes later. Hana Lowry made it 3-0 in the 39th minute before Mirjam Kastelec pulled one back for Radomlje just before half-time. By then, Valerenga had already established a comfortable cushion.
The opening goal of the second half came from an own goal by Iva Kocijan in the 51st minute, extending Valerenga's advantage to 4-1. Lina Brigitte Skiaker Klech added a fifth in the 73rd minute, and S. Brekken completed her brace with a second in the 79th minute. The eighth and final goal arrived in the 87th minute.
Valerenga controlled possession with 68 per cent of the ball and registered 15 shots on target compared to Radomlje's 4. The hosts earned 12 corners to their opponents' 2, while shots off target tallied 18 against 3. Both sides received one yellow card each, with Khadija Badio and Noor Eckhoff cautioned respectively.
Valerenga took three substitutions in quick succession just after half-time, bringing on Arna Eiriksdottir, Tomine Enger and Ronja Arnesen. Radomlje made changes in the 60th and 61st minutes, while Valerenga added Eline Hegg and Aada Makela in the 64th and 69th minutes. Zoja Srot came on for Radomlje in the 79th minute.
The 7-1 scoreline leaves Valerenga in pole position to advance from this qualifying round. Radomlje's solitary goal was insufficient against a side that created chances at will. And here's the thing — 15 shots on target for one goal would suggest Valerenga found their rhythm late rather than early.