Elisabeth Terland’s hat-trick powered Manchester United Women to a 4-0 victory over PSV in their Champions League qualifying match. The win sets up a final mini-group match against either Hammarby or Metalist Kharkiv for a chance to advance further in the competition. Terland expressed optimism about the upcoming season after breaking her “two-goal curse,” while teammate Lisa Naalsund highlighted the team’s improved chemistry and pre-season preparation.
Elisabeth Terland's electrifying hat-trick has fueled Manchester United Women's Champions League ambitions, propelling them to a resounding 4-0 victory over PSV Eindhoven in their second-round qualifying semi-final. The Norwegian striker's clinical finishing and unwavering optimism have set the stage for a potentially transformative season for both herself and the team.
The match, held in Stockholm, Sweden, saw Terland open the floodgates early, finding the back of the net after just seven minutes. Her composed finish settled any nerves and set the tone for a dominant United performance. Celin Bizet Ildhusøy doubled the lead before halftime, further solidifying United's control over the game. However, the second half belonged entirely to Terland, who completed her hat-trick with two well-taken goals, both expertly assisted by Ella Toone. Toone's vision and precise passes unlocked the PSV defense, allowing Terland to showcase her predatory instincts in front of goal. The emphatic victory sends a clear message to their Champions League rivals: Manchester United are a force to be reckoned with.
United's path to the Champions League group stage isn't over yet. They now face a crucial final hurdle in their mini-group on Saturday against either Hammarby or Metalist Kharkiv. A win in that match would secure their place in a two-legged third qualifying-round tie scheduled for September. The stakes are high, but with Terland in such scintillating form, United will be confident of progressing.
Terland's performance was particularly significant given her previous struggles to convert chances into goals. Last season, she scored 10 goals in 20 league games, a respectable return, but she often felt she could have done better. Her hat-trick against PSV represents a breakthrough moment, a sign that she has overcome the "two-goal curse" that had been plaguing her. "We came here to do a job, put on a good performance. We dominated this game," Terland told MUTV after the match.
Curse = lifted
Teri reacts to scoring her first United hat-trick, against PSV in Stockholm
— Manchester United Women (@ManUtdWomen) August 27, 2025
"I got some goals; it is good to get going. It is the first game of a long season so now we turn our focus to the next game, but we are happy with the performance. I just said to some of the girls, it has been a two-goal curse going on with me. It has been a while since I’ve scored a hat-trick, so I think it is a sign of hopefully a positive season for myself. Now it is just about resetting and going again.”
Lisa Naalsund, who provided the assist for Terland's opening goal, echoed her teammate's sentiments, highlighting the team's improved understanding and cohesion. "We have been working a lot on relationships in pre-season and I think you could see it on the pitch. I enjoy it when we play nice football and score four goals, it is really nice."
Manchester United's journey in the Champions League qualifiers is not just about individual brilliance; it's a testament to their collective effort and strategic preparation. Manager Marc Skinner has fostered an environment where players understand their roles and responsibilities, resulting in a well-organized and disciplined team. The pre-season training focused on building strong relationships between players, evident in the seamless link-up play and intuitive understanding on the pitch. This team spirit, combined with the individual talent of players like Terland and Toone, makes Manchester United a formidable opponent.
As they prepare for the final of their mini-group, Manchester United Women are brimming with confidence and determination. The victory over PSV has provided a significant boost, and the players are eager to continue their winning streak. With Terland leading the charge and the team united in their pursuit of Champions League glory, the future looks bright for Manchester United Women.