Frankfurt rattled by seismic shift

Montpellier HSC have caused shock and consternation at 1. FFC Frankfurt after winning the first leg of their UEFA Women's Cup semi-final in Germany.

No formality
The German champions had regarded their meeting with the French side as a formality on their way to the final, but were tripped up with a 1-0 defeat on home soil. Coach Hans-Jürgen Tritschoks said: "We are extremely disappointed." Striker Sandra Smisek added: "It will be very difficult for us to complete our mission."

Sturdy Montpellier
In the run-up to the game, Montpellier coach Patrice Lair called Frankfurt "the best team in Europe", but his side showed their hosts no respect on Saturday, tormenting the team which boasts the likes of Birgit Prinz and Steffi Jones with some sturdy defending and sparkling football on the break.

Wake-up call
"They were very strong and played tough," said Frankfurt playmaker Renate Lingor, who could find no space amid a tight midfield area. "We need to be well prepared for the second leg and cannot afford to think that we can win just because of the ability of our individual players."

European shockwaves
Montpellier, meanwhile, are basking in the afterglow of a result that has sent shockwaves around women's football. Only Swedish side Umeå IK had previously beaten Frankfurt in the UEFA Women's Cup, and the French side's success spoke volumes for an increasingly competitive women's club scene.

'One mistake'
Nonetheless, Tritschoks was still backing his players. "I have to hand it to my team because they never gave up even after conceding the goal," he said. "We kept attacking and put them under lots of pressure. We only made one mistake and that was being too nervous up front."

'Nothing to lose'
"If we want to reach the final, we have to improve in this respect and score in the second leg. Now we have nothing to lose anymore. We will travel to Montpellier on Thursday without any pressure. All I expect is a clear reaction from my team."

Lair excited
Lair is only too aware that the tie is far from over, saying that "the chances are 50-50 for both sides". He added: "I expect the second leg to be a great football match with two very skilful teams who will fight as hard as they can to be the winners."

'So proud'
Montpellier remain unbeaten in France this season, and have already showed their class in earning a goalless draw against UEFA Women's Cup holders 1. FFC Turbine Potsdam in the second qualifying round. However, beating Frankfurt remained something special. "I am so proud that we beat them," beamed Lair.