Svensson spoils Sparta's night
Tuesday, October 11, 2005
Article summary
AC Sparta Praha 0-2 Djurgården/Älvsjö Sweden striker Victoria Svensson was on target twice as the visitors earned a healthy first-leg lead.
Article body
Sweden striker Victoria Svensson scored two second-half goals as Djurgården/Älvsjö took a significant step towards the semi-finals of the UEFA Women's Cup with a 2-0 first-leg win against AC Sparta Praha.
Fine pedegree
The Czech side have enjoyed a ground-breaking run in this season’s competition, and although they kept the visitors at bay for over 50 minutes, Djurgården/Älvsjö's fine European pedigree eventually told. After the first half ended goalless at the Sparta stadium, Svensson broke the deadlock nine minutes after the restart, heading in a fine cross from the right flank.
Potsdam incentive
Coming into the game on the back of a demoralising 7-0 thrashing at the hands of arch rivals Umeå IK in their domestic championship, the goal lifted the pressure on Benny Persson's side and Svensson further eased nerves when her hopeful long-range strike found the net with 20 minutes remaining, courtesy of a deflection. It means that last season's runners-up remain on course to set up a semi-final date with 1. FFC Turbine Potsdam - the side that denied them in last year's final.