Manchester United Women lost 1-0 to Brann, while Real Madrid edged past Eintracht Frankfurt 2-1. Atletico Madrid drew 1-1 with Hacken. United faces an uphill battle in the second leg after a disappointing first-leg performance.
Manchester United Women suffered a disheartening 1-0 defeat at the hands of Brann in the first leg of their Women’s Champions League third qualifying round tie. The match, held in Norway, saw United dominating possession and creating numerous chances, yet failing to convert their opportunities into goals. Brann, displaying resilience and capitalizing on a set-piece, secured a crucial lead to take into the second leg.
Ella Toone was a constant threat for Manchester United in the first half, testing Brann's goalkeeper Selma Panengstuen on multiple occasions. Her initial effort, a well-struck shot from Jess Park's layoff, was expertly saved by Panengstuen. Toone continued to press, coming close twice more before halftime. A header narrowly missed the target, sailing just over the bar, followed by another shot that Panengstuen skillfully tipped over the goal. Despite United's persistent pressure, the first half concluded without a breakthrough, leaving the scoreline unchanged.
The second half mirrored the first, with Manchester United creating opportunities but struggling to find the back of the net. Dominique Janssen was the first to test Panengstuen after the restart, but the Brann goalkeeper was equal to the task, denying the United defender's attempt. United's inability to convert their chances would prove costly. In the 76th minute, a foul by Lisa Naalsund presented Brann with a free-kick opportunity. Signe Gaupset delivered a pinpoint cross into the box, and Ingrid Stenevik rose highest to head the ball past the United goalkeeper, giving Brann a 1-0 lead.
Panengstuen continued to be a thorn in United's side, denying Toone once again with a stunning double save. Toone's initial strike looked destined for the far corner, but Panengstuen somehow managed to get a hand to it, pushing the ball away. The rebound fell back to Toone, but Panengstuen was there again, turning the second attempt away for a corner. United pressed for an equalizer in the closing stages, but Brann held firm, securing a valuable victory.
Defeat on the night, but only half-time in the tie. pic.twitter.com/QverBa7JjI
— Manchester United Women (@ManUtdWomen) September 11, 2025
Meanwhile, Real Madrid secured a 2-1 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt in their first-leg encounter. A dominant first-half performance proved decisive for the Spanish side. Filippa Angeldal and Signe Bruun scored within the first 35 minutes, giving Real Madrid a comfortable lead. Nicole Anyomi's goal for Eintracht Frankfurt on the stroke of half-time offered a glimmer of hope, but the German side was unable to mount a comeback in the second half.
Atletico Madrid, however, faced disappointment as they conceded a late equalizer in their first leg against Swedish side Hacken. Luany's early goal in the 17th minute was cancelled out by Felicia Schroder's late strike, leaving the tie finely balanced heading into the second leg.
Mark Skinner’s United had a great run defeating PSV and Hammarby 4-0 and 1-0 respectively in the first two qualifying matches. Now United will be hoping for a strong comeback in the return leg to overturn the deficit and progress to the next stage of the competition. The team's Champions League debut hangs in the balance, with the need for a clean sheet and clinical finishing in the second leg being paramount.