Birkirkara exit women’s Champions League after Anderlecht defeat

ANDERLECHT 5-0 BIRKIRKARA
Delabre 16, Minnaert 51, Vanzeir 53, Maxime Bennink 90, Laurie Teinturier 90.

Birkirkara bow out from the UEFA Women’s Champions League after losing to Belgian giants Anderlecht in their second game of the first qualifying round.

As expected, the Stripes found the going tough against the seven-time Belgium champions with Anderlecht progressing to the second round after failing in their last three attempts.

For this highly-anticipated tie, Birkirkara coach Vince Galea did not make any changes to the starting formation that defeated Breznica in extra-time, last Wednesday.

Anderlecht came close to forge ahead early in the match when forward Amelie Delabre saw her close-range effort blocked by goalkeeper Maya Cachia.

Moments later, the same Anderlecht player threatened with a towering header but could not find the target.

On the 16th minute, Delabre found no trouble in beating Cachia from inside the penalty area.

Birkirkara were dealt any even heavier blow afterwards when captain Stephania Farrugia had to be taken off the pitch due to an apparent knee injury.

Anderlecht continued to pile the pressure on the Maltese champions with Delabre continues to probe Birkirkara’s backline with her entries inside the small area, looking to double her team’s lead.

After the restart, Anderlecht doubled their lead through Marie Minneart whose low drive beat Cachia.

A couple of minutes later, Luna Vanzeir extended Anderlecht’s lead with a tap-in from point-blank range,

Anderlecht added a couple more goals in stoppage time through Maxime Bennink and Laurie Teinturier.