28 September 2022
Only a win would do for Juventus to qualify for the group stages of the Women's Champions League for a second consecutive season, and at the Moccagatta stadium in Alessandria, that is what the Bianconere achieved.
A 2-0 win on the night eliminated the Danish champions Køge after the 1-1 first leg draw eight days ago.
SARA LEAPS HIGHEST
Juventus knew an early goal would settle their nerves and oblige Køge to rethink their 4-5-1 tactical set-up. And the goal duly arrived just over the 10 minute mark.
Lisa Boattin flighted in a teasing cross, which was met by Sara Gunnarsdóttir, whose run was timed to perfection as she powered her header beyond Bridgette Skiba in the Køge goal. The midfielder was brought in to add her vast European experience, and that's exactly what she did to give Juve the flying start they sought.
Julia Grosso had the ball at her feet withing shooting distance twice in the first half but on both occasions failed to test the Køge keeper. However, the best chance for Juve to add to their lead fell to Gunnarsdóttir on 35'. The Iceland international, just like Grosso, saw her effort from the edge of the box finish just off target.
The well-organised Danish champions stuck to their tight-defensively oriented gameplan as the first half finished with just one goal separating the two teams.
Juventus started the second period determined to add a second goal and put some breathing space between themsevles and the Danish outfit. However, neither Lineth Beerensteyn or Valentina Cernoia could take full advantage of the chances that came their way in the opening 10 minutes after the restart.
Køge caused some discomfort in the Bianconere defence, but despite a series of corners for the visitors, Pauline Peyraud-Magnin was not asked to make a save of note.
CANTORE WRAPS IT UP
With the game inside the final fifteen minutes of normal time, Sofia Cantore ended the contest. The substitute received the ball at the edge of the penalty area and bided her time before slamming the ball into the net.
With nothing to lose, Køge pushed forward but with Sara Gama making her return from injury the Danes were denied a way back into the contest.
At the full-time whistle, the celebrations began - another season playing with Europe's best awaits.
JUVENTUS WOMEN 2-0 KØGE (HT: 1-0) (AGG: 3-1)
SCORERS: 11’ Gunnarsdóttir (J), 77’ Cantore (J).
JUVENTUS: Peyraud, Lenzini (84' Nilden), Salvai (63’ Gama ), Sembrant, Boattin, Pedersen, Gunnarsdottir (78’ Rosucci), Grosso, Cernoia (78’ Bonansea), Girelli (63’ Cantore), Beerensteyn. Subs not used: Aprile, Lundorf, Zamanian, Caruso, Bonfantini, Duljan, Forcinella. Coach: Montemurro.
HB Køge: Skiba, Svendsen (87’ Guldbjerg), Norheim, Carusa, Pokorny (87’ Kolzova), Jankovska, Fløe Nielsen (90’+2 Belisle), Marcussen (74’ Kramer), Obaze, Jans (75’ Uhre), Færge. Subs not used: Stockmark, Ostenfeld, Vingun Andersen, Marcussen, Callesen, Solgaard Sørensen. Coach: Randa-Boldt.
Referee: Marriott.
Assistants: Rashid, Ball.
Fourth Official: Saunders.
BOOKING: 90+4’ Uhre (K).
