(Football news) In their first group match, the hosts defeated Paris FC, while in Madrid, the Spanish team held Chelsea to a 2-2 tie. Hacken, who lost in qualification the previous season, made it back to the Champions League group stage after defeating Twente 4-3 on aggregate in the playoff round.

For their second appearance in the main draw in three seasons, Hacken has been assigned to a difficult group that includes Chelsea, Real Madrid, and Paris FC. The Swedish team was hoping for a reaction after losing to Paris on goal differential in the Damallsvenskan championship, so they traveled there on the road to start the group stage.

Rosa Kafaji and Anna Sandberg’s goals helped Mak Lind’s team bounce back from that setback, winning 2-1. Now that their domestic campaign is over, Hacken will have a week to prepare for Thursday’s match, where they hope to make it 14 games without a loss at home in all competitions. 

Real Madrid is playing in the main draw for the third time in its history, having defeated Valerenga 5-1 on aggregate in qualifying. The first group game against Chelsea proved to be a much tougher test for the Spanish team, though, ending in a controversial 2-2 draw.

Olga Carmona opened the score before Niamh Charles and Kerr’s goals put Chelsea ahead. However, after a contentious penalty was awarded, Spain’s World Cup hero was granted the opportunity to even the score and score her second of the match.

In stoppage time, there was to be more drama as the Women’s Super League champions had a goal unfairly ruled out for offside, ensuring that Las Blancas secured a crucial point in their opening group match. Carmona maintained her calm to score the spot kick.

Despite being happy with their draw the previous week, Toril’s team will be dejected going into Sweden after losing badly to fierce rivals Barcelona in Sunday’s El Clasico, 5-0.
Also read:Argentina defeat Brazil 1-0 in World Cup Qualifiers