Potsdam push on against Rossiyanka

First-half strikes from Patricia Hanebeck and Babett Peter ensured two-time UEFA Women's Champions League winners 1. FFC Turbine Potsdam got the better of FC Rossiyanka and took a commanding first-leg lead in their quarter-final.

The German title holders pressured their Russian visitors from the off and Hanebeck broke the deadlock on 24 minutes before Peter, who recently announced her summer departure from Potsdam, converted a penalty. Last season's runners-up will travel to Russia next Thursday confident of advancing to the semi-finals for the fifth time.

Making her Rossiyanka debut at right-back, Leigh Ann Robinson was given a torrid time by Antonia Göransson with her surging runs down the left. The Swedish international's trickery provided early chances for Yuki Nagasato and Genoveva Añonma.

The home side's fluent passing game had Rossiyanka pinned inside their own half for much of the opening 45 minutes, save for the odd counterattack by tricky winger Fabiana. The Brazilian's strike partner Sofia Jakobsson also tested a resolute Potsdam back four with her powerful running.

After 23 minutes Añonma's fizzing drive forced a terrific save from Elvira Todua, again from Göransson's centre. Moments later Potsdam took the lead when Hanebeck's floating cross deceived the entire Rossiyanka defence and keeper Todua to curl in at the far post.

Göransson almost immediately doubled the advantage but her drive smacked the top of Todua's crossbar. On the cusp of half-time Kia McNeill handled Hanebeck's hopeful punt to gift Potsdam a penalty which Peter coolly converted.

The second half followed a similar pattern as Potsdam restricted their visitors to the odd foray forward. Alyssa Naeher's goal was rarely threatened aside from a smart stop after a typically rampaging run and shot from Jakobsson. Only Todua's stunning reflex save from Stefanie Draws' point-blank effort prevented Potsdam putting gloss on a well-deserved victory.