Holders Frankfurt shocked by Russian veteran

Kostraba winner
Frankfurt, who won a record third European title in May, had never lost in 18 previous group matches in the competition. But Zvezda assistant coach Kostraba, starting only because of an injury crisis, turned in a corner on 67 minutes and that proved decisive for a team who made their European debut in the first qualifying round. Norwegian hosts Røa IL, who play Frankfurt on Saturday, beat Glasgow City LFC 6-1. Rachel Corsie sparked hope of another upset with an early Glasgow goal but Sarah Huffman swiftly levelled. Kristine Edner put Røa ahead on 21 minutes and Huffman and Lene Mykjåland made it 4-1 by the half-hour mark. Mykjåland and Edner struck after the interval.

Umeå cruise
In Group B2, last season's runners-up Umeå IK launched their bid to match Frankfurt's three European titles with a 5-1 defeat of Valur Reykjavík. Hanna Ljungberg hit a hat-trick before the break and although Margrét Lára Vidarsdóttir claimed her ninth European goal of the season for Valur,  Madeleine Edlund responded immediately and Marta added another. ASD CF Bardolino Verona edged to a 2-1 success agaiinst Kazakhstan's Alma KTZH. Valentina Boni gave the Italian champions an early lead after an excellent team move and while Kristina Stolpovskaya equalised before half-time, Patrizia Panico won the game with 15 minutes to go after being set up by Venusia Paliotti, whose side next play Valur.

Favourites win
Olympique Lyonnais knocked out then holders Arsenal in last season's quarter-finals and the pair look on course to reach that stage again after Group B3 victories in France. Lyon cruised to an 8-0 triumph against Austria's SV Neulengbach at Stade de Gerland with Camille Abily, Louisa Necib, Lotta Schelin, Sonia Bompastor, Laura Georges and Elodie Thomis all scoring before Necib made it seven at half-time. Abily added another with 13 minutes left. Meanwhile Arsenal defeated FC Zürich Frauen 7-2. Gemma Davison's early goal was cancelled out against the run of play by Zürich's Ramona Lendenmann, turning in a Selina Zumbühl cross. But Kelly Smith and Kim Little netted within two minutes of each other late in the first half and Arsenal never lost control. Jayne Ludlow scored on 52 and 56 minutes and Little immediately increased the advantage. After a Niamh Fahey own goal made it 6-2, Scottish international Little completed her hat-trick in added time from the penalty spot. Arsenal next take on Neulengbach, a team they beat 7-0 last term.

Postponed games
The remaining mini-tournament, Group B4 in Ukraine, will commence on Friday after Brøndby IF's equipment was delayed in transit. The Danish side, quarter-finalists in 2007/08, face Levante UD first while hosts WFC Naftokhimik tackle German debutants FCR 2001 Duisburg – with the second set of games also moving to Sunday. The decisive matches, as with all the groups, will be on Tuesday.