Machart gives Juvisy edge over Göteborg

FCF Juvisy Essonne will travel to Sweden next week holding a slender 1-0 advantage after Julie Machart's superb strike sealed a first-leg win against Göteborg FC in their UEFA Women's Champions League quarter-final tie.

The French club had to wait just 17 minutes to make the most of their domination, Machart finding the top corner from outside the area, but they spurned an array of chances to give themselves a firmer hold on a last-four spot. On the back foot for most of the encounter, their Swedish rivals will now look to overturn the deficit on home turf next Wednesday.

Sandrine Mathivet's side quickly took the upper hand, with the dynamic Camille Catala a percussive presence on the right. The French international was the first player to pose a direct threat too, racing in behind the Göteborg defence only for Kristin Hammarström to rush off her line and quell the danger.

Catala then came close to connecting with Machart's cross from the left as Juvisy's strong start continued, before Machart made their pressure count moments later. Working herself into space on the left, the No11 steered a fine effort high into the far corner from 20 metres out – and she sent another effort over the crossbar as the hosts sought to increase their lead.

Unable to work their way close to Juvisy's goal, Göteborg were concentrating on frustrating their opponents, yet they almost fell further behind shortly after the restart when Stina Segerström brought down Machart in the area. Stepping up to take the resultant penalty, Gaëtane Thiney rolled the ball left and Hammarström nudged it against the base of the post.

The Göteborg No1 also helped a Catala effort onto the crossbar, but the visitors finally gave Juvisy goalkeeper Iryna Zvarych work to do when Marie Hammarström tried her luck from distance. Jessica Landström then blasted too high from close range and substitute Cathrine Dyngvold forced a save following a corner, but Juvisy held out.