UEFA Women’s Champions League: Barcelona earn win over Brann in first leg of quarter-final, Paris Saint-Germain triumph

Caroline Graham Hansen starred in her homeland as she scored to help Barcelona to a 2-1 win over Brann in the first leg of their UEFA Women’s Champions League quarter-final.

The Norwegian star netted her 25th goal of the season to give Barcelona an early lead at Asane Arena, and though Brann levelled through Cecilie Redisch Kvamme, the reigning champions retook the lead through Salma Paralluelo in the 72nd-minute

Barca will be confident of finishing the job when they host Brann for the second leg on Wednesday, March 28.

It took Barcelona just nine minutes to get their noses in front when Graham Hansen exchanged passes with Patri Guijarro before her deflected effort nestled in the net.

While Barcelona continued to create chances, Brann sprung a surprise when Kvamme squeezed her side level from Justine Kielland’s cross.

Jonatan Giraldez Costas’ side registered 12 shots on target throughout a dominant performance but had to wait until the 72nd minute for their winner when Paralluelo grabbed her sixth of the competition with a smart low finish.

Paris Saint-Germain will take a 2-1 advantage into next week's quarter-final second leg after overcoming BK Hacken at Hisingen Arena.

Eva Gaetino and the in-form Tabitha Chawinga scored for the visitors either side of Rosa Kafaji's equaliser, as PSG - twice beaten finalists - continued their bid to land the title for the first time.

PSG started the match as firm favourites and it took them 23 minutes to open the scoring when American defender Gaetino - a February signing - stabbed home from close range after Chawinga's header was saved by Jennifer Falk.

Hacken had the perfect opportunity to level three minutes before the break when Thiniba Samoura upended Anna Anvegard in the box, and although goalkeeper Katarzyna Kiedrzynek kept out Kafaji's spot-kick, the striker reacted quickest to convert the rebound.

Tasked with filling the void of the departed Kadidiatou Diani this season, Chawinga has been in prolific mood, scoring five goals in her previous three games, and the Malawi forward struck the winner from Amalie Vangsgaard's cross in the 74th-minute.

With time running out, Kiedrzynek came to PSG's rescue with a fine save to deny Kafaji a double and preserve the French side's lead.

The second leg will take place on March 28.

Sjoeke Nusken grabbed a brace as Chelsea enjoyed a comfortable 3-0 victory at Ajax in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie on Tuesday.

- - -

TNT Sports presents the premium live sports rights previously carried by BT Sport including the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Gallagher Premiership Rugby, Investec Champions Cup, EPCR Challenge Cup, MotoGP, Cricket, UFC, Boxing and WWE. The streaming home for TNT Sports in the UK is discovery+, where fans can enjoy a subscription that includes TNT Sports, Eurosport and entertainment in one destination. You can also watch TNT Sports through BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media