Potsdam hold their nerve

FC Energy Voronezh may have been struggling recently in the Russian league, but they were within four minutes of beating 1. FFC Turbine Potsdam in the first leg of their UEFA Women's Cup quarter-final tie before teenager Peggy Kuznik struck a vital away goal for the German champions.

Early efforts
Potsdam, hoping to emulate domestic rivals 1. FFC Frankfurt who reached at least the last four in all three previous editions, were out of the blocks quickly but on seven minutes almost fell behind as Elena Danilova's corner looped on to the post. Potsdam goalkeeper Nadine Angerer was then forced to make a save from Vera Stroukova's effort soon after.

Zvarich saves
However, the visitors soon forced some chances of their own and German international midfield player Viola Odebrecht was twice denied by home goalkeeper Iryna Zvarich, first from a shot rising towards the top corner and then from point-blank range. At the other end, Nadezhda Bosikova and Darja Apanashenko both went close.

Energy ahead
Energy kept up their efforts in the second period, and within two minutes of the restart were ahead. German Under-19 international Sabrina Rastetter struck against her compatriots with as she let fly from 25 metres and found the target. Potsdam rallied, Conny Pohlers going close, and the pressure on Energy told when their coach Ivan Saenko was dismissed by Finnish referee Anri Hänninen.

Away goal
Potsdam finally secured the goal they wanted in the 86th minute, Kuznik equalising from distance. Despite that late setback, Energy still harbour hopes of progressing next Sunday when they travel to Germany for the second leg knowing that a year ago they took a 2-1 deficit into their away return with Umeå IK at this stage before a 4-2 aggregate defeat.

Coaches satisfied
Saenko said of the result: "It is a pity that we missed the opportunity to win. However, I am happy with my team performance." Potsdam coach Bernd Schreder added: "I'm satisfied with the result, but not with our performance. We played to about 40 per cent of our potential. Energy played their part as they did not allow us to play our best football."