Hard-fighting Brann fell short against Barcelona – out of the Champions League after a 1-3 loss

Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmatí sent the reigning champions into the lead after 23 minutes, before Fridolina Rolfö doubled the lead a quarter of the way into the second half.

With 20 minutes left, Tomine Svendheim (18) gave the away team hope when she rolled the ball into the far corner after a great counterattack.

– It’s almost unbelievable. Coming here to the Estadi Johan Cruyff and scoring is not for everyone, said TV 2 commentator Endre Olav Osnes.

Barcelona had conceded just three goals at home before Thursday’s game. There have been a total of 13 admitted this season.

Patri Guijarro ensured that Barcelona secured promotion with 5-2 on aggregate.

Brann came to the away game in Barcelona with hope after a strong 1-2 game in the first meeting. Then Cecilie Redisch Kvamme stood for the Bergens’ goal.

– I think Brann has done a very good job over two matches against one of the world’s best teams, said TV 2 expert Solveig Gulbrandsen.

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Chelsea next

Caroline Graham Hansen and Ingrid Syrstad Engen’s team will meet Guro Reiten and Maren Mjelde’s Chelsea in the semi-finals. The latter club progressed with a win over Ajax on Wednesday.

Graham Hansen scored in the first match and came up with many great chances in Thursday’s match, but national team friend Aurora Mikalsen stood well in the Brann cage.

Never before has a Norwegian women’s team made it to the quarter-finals of the Champions League. Last autumn, Brann managed to hold Lyon to 2-2 at home and only lost in France during six games in the pool play.

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Barcelona have not lost at home since 2019 and had no plans to let that streak end on Thursday.

Active Graham

The hosts took command early and created many opportunities. Graham Hansen was active on the right wing and put Brann goalkeeper Aurora Mikalsen on several attempts, but the last chance held off with good saves.

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Brann lost a lot of the ball in their own half, but a good Mikalsen and margins meant that the hosts did not lead after the first quarter.

After 20 minutes, Brann weaved his way into Barcelona’s 16-metre area. Signe Gaupset had the chance, but did not get a proper hold on the finish, which was saved relatively easily by Barcelona goalkeeper Cata Coll.

Three minutes later there was singing in the net behind Mikalsen. Bonmati dribbled free in the box and bent the ball into the far corner. The Brann goalkeeper had no chance.

Reduction

The Spaniards were clearly the best and could quickly lead by more at the break. Scoring number two came after 55 minutes. Graham Hansen moved into the field in a great way and shot the ball hard in front of the goal. There was a bit of a mess before Rolfö finally poked it over the line.

After the reduction goal, Brann got more into the game, and ten minutes before the end Anna Aahjem had a good opportunity, but the shot went just wide.

On the tamp, Graham Hansen again made a great preparation when Guijarro put the ball in the net.

The first matches in the semi-finals will be played on 20/21. April with return matches a week later.

In the other semi-final, Ada Hegerberg and Lyon await either Paris Saint-Germain or Häcken, who will play later on Thursday.