Umeå edge Kolbotn into second

Umeå IK marked their return to the UEFA Women's Cup after missing out for the first time last season with a series of fine displays, winning all three matches in Group 2 to progress to the quarter-finals along with Norwegian hosts Kolbotn IL.

Scandinavian success
Victories on the first two Matchdays against Ukraine's Legend-Chekseal Chernigov and RCD Espanyol of Spain ensured the Scandinavian duo advanced with a game to spare, and in their decisive meeting today Umeå clinched first place with a 2-1 win in Norway. They now meet Dutch challengers Saestum while Kolbotn have the unenviable task of tackling the holders 1. FFC Frankfurt over two legs in October.

Marta strikes first
It took 14 minutes for two-time winners Umeå to make the breakthrough on Matchday 1 against Legend Chernigov, Brazilian forward Marta on target. Elaine Moura made it 2-0 in the 56th minute. There was also a two-goal margin of victory for Kolbotn, who defeated Espanyol 4-2. Ingrid Schjelderup and Solveig Gulbrandsen struck in the first half, and Tonje Hansen twice in the second.

Decisive wins
Kolbotn followed up that win with a 2-1 victory against Legend Chernigov. Trine Rønning and Camilla Hammerø Huse struck either side of half-time, and the Ukrainian champions did not respond until Alla Lishafai's last-minute consolation. Umeå were ahead against Espanyol within three minutes thanks to Hanna Ljungberg and Norwegian international Lise Klaveness added another in the 27th minute. The Swedish giants were now provisionally top on goal difference, and removed any doubt in added time with Malin Moström's penalty.

Klaveness opener
Those results meant that Umeå faced Kolbotn on Matchday 3 needing just a draw to top the pool and avoid renewing their rivalry with Frankfurt. Klaveness gave the Swedish side the lead 14 minutes in, an advantage which was wiped out when Kristin Blystad-Bjerke struck an 83rd-minute equaliser. The goal would not have been enough to send the home side through, although Umeå made certain as a last-minute own goal won them the game. Sunday's other tie saw Espanyol comfortably defeat Legend Chernigov 5-0 to confine the Ukrainian side to bottom position.