(Football news) Teenager Salma Paralluelo scored for Barça Femení as the Catalan side overcame Roma Femminile 1-0 in the first leg quarter-final of the Women’s Champions League. There were 39,454 fans in attendance, the largest for a women’s game in Italy as Paralluelo’s curling effort went into the back of the net in the 34th minute in what was a close encounter between the two teams. Last year’s finalists were given a scare at the Stadio Olimpico as the hosts threatened to punish the Catalans for missing several early chances with Asisat Oshoala, Aitana Bonmati and Caroline Graham Hansen being denied.

Barça Femení are one of the best teams in women’s club football, having reached three Champions League finals in four years but were left frustrated as Roma Femminile goalkeeper Camelia Caesar put up an inspiring display, blocking Oshoala’s attempt in the second half and keeping out Graham Hansen and Bonmati before the break. Despite the defeat, Roma Femminile were given a standing ovation by the home fans who were clearly impressed by the Champions League debutants putting up such a good display against one of the best teams in the world.

The Italian giants had chances of their own as Andressa Alves failed to hit the target while Manuela Giugliano’s powerful shot was tipped over the bar with less than 10 minutes to go before Giacinti almost equalised in the final minute from a smart free-kick routine. Roma Femminile will now travel to the Camp Nou for the second leg of the quarter-finals on Wednesday, 29 March after Barcelona face Real Madrid in Saturday’s El Clasico.

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