Banned Louwaars backs Saestum

In last season's UEFA Women's Cup, French champions Montpellier HSC were not among the favourites as they began their campaign in the first qualifying round. They progressed through two groups and thrashed Brøndby IF 6-1 on aggregate in the last eight before a semi-final exit on away goals to eventual winners 1. FFC Frankfurt. Dutch challengers Saestum are now hoping to emulate that run.

Saestum run
Saestum are competing in the quarter-finals for the first time in three attempts, having finished runners-up on goal difference to last season's finalists 1. FFC Turbine Potsdam in the second qualifying round. Their previous group was negotiated with ease, ŽNK Maksimir, Dundalk WFC and Cardiff City LFC all having been dispatched. Two-time winners and runaway Swedish champions Umeå IK will far tougher opposition as the competition gets serious, however.

Captain suspended
Saestum have only really bloomed in the last decade, winning eight titles after breaking their duck in 1996. Captain Gilanne Louwaars has been part of all the success in her ten years with Saestum, but will sit out Thursday's home leg with Umeå having received a second booking of the campaign against KFC Rapide Wezemaal last month, a game in which the attacking midfielder converted a penalty.

'Downside'
Louwaars, who will be replaced as captain by Sandra van Tol, told uefa.com: "That was a pretty bad downside to the joy of qualifying. I did not realise it immediately after the match, but in the following week after training when it was announced that I would be suspended. It was really hard, but there is nothing that can be done. I will be involved with the team until the match is played, but unfortunately I won't be on the pitch. I can only support my team-mates with cheers from the sidelines. And I have faith that the squad can do it without me."

Marta concern
The Dutch international be back for the return seven days later in Sweden, but Louwaars knows it is a tough task: "We know very little about them, except the fact they're two-time winners, but that's it. We also know they have a very good Brazilian attacker, Marta, who we will have to nullify."

Fans' backing
A crowd of 1,200 turned up against Wezemaal, and Louwaars hopes for another healthy turn-out when Umeå come calling. "I hope the weather conditions will also help this time and I expect that a lot of spectators will come to see us again," the 27-year-old said. "It gives us an extra kick, and then you remember what you do it for. When as a team you perform so well, and get into the top eight in Europe, then that is a huge performance."