Advantage Frankfurt after Umeå draw

Germany's 1. FFC Frankfurt hold the upper hand in the UEFA Women's Cup final after Conny Pohlers' fifth-minute strike cancelled out Marta's goal in the opening seconds to earn an invaluable draw at Umeå IK in an exciting first leg.

Third triumph
Both sides are bidding to win the trophy for the third time in its seven-year history, with the visitors having triumphed in the inaugural competition in 2002 and again in 2006. It was the Swedish side – winners in 2003 and 2004 – who struck first, though, the FIFA World Player of the Year Marta racing clear to score with just 12 seconds on the clock. The lead proved short-lived, Pohlers converting a Petra Wimbersky pass to level and give the visitors the edge ahead of the second leg at the former Waldstadion next Saturday.

Hectic start
Much of Umeå's pre-match worries had centred on Marta, who missed training on the eve of the final with a minor injury. The Brazilian striker was passed fit, however, and proved her value to the home side within the first minute as, direct from kick-off, Johanna Rasmussen sent a long ball forward and Marta outstripped the Frankfurt defence to round Silke Rottenberg and roll the ball into the unguarded net. The goal sparked wild celebrations, yet within four minutes the home crowd were silenced when Umeå failed to clear a through ball on the left wing. Wimbersky took full advantage, advancing into the area to find Pohlers near the penalty spot and her first-time effort duly levelled.

Edlund denied
Perhaps inevitably, the action slowed after that frantic start, although both teams continued to advance with Umeå and Frankfurt trading chances. Wimbersky was the main threat for Frankfurt, while Marta and midfielder Lisa Dahlqvist asked questions of the visitors' defence and combined to set up a chance for Madelaine Edlund. The striker was presented with a clear sight of goal from close range, yet could not find the shot to beat Rottenberg.

Rönnlund to the rescue
With Umeå, inspired by Marta, largely in control, visiting striker Birgit Prinz endured a quiet first half, although she did manage a first shot on goal four minutes before the interval. The second half quickly picked up where the first had left off as Frankfurt gained the initiative with Wimbersky and Pohlers growing in influence. In one such move, the latter led a swift counterattack that threatened to expose the Umeå defence when she found Wimbersky unmarked in front of goal only for Ulla-Karin Rönnlund to keep out her effort.

Frankfurt hold firm
As the match moved into its closing stages, it was Umeå who looked the more likely to take an advantage into the second leg, with the hard-working Edlund a particular threat and finding several promising positions without providing the finishing touch. Frankfurt held firm, however, and will hope to build on this fine result at their city's main stadium next week, having defeated Umeå 2-0 to lift the inaugural trophy six years ago in its pre-FIFA World Cup incarnation.