Champions Women: Inter take the lead with Bugeja's debut

At the U-Power Stadium in Monza, Inter Women opened the single‑group stage of the Women's Champions League with a 1‑0 win against Swedish side BK Häcken. The decisive goal came in the fifth minute, scored by Maltese striker Haley Bugeja.

Bugeja's debut

Haley Bugeja found the net in the 5′, giving the club its first point of the competition. For the nerazzurre, coached by David Sassarini, it was the absolute debut in the main phase of the top European competition. The coach emphasized the importance of starting so strongly.

Line‑up and substitutions

Inter lined up a 4‑4‑2 with Runarsdottir between the posts, Garcia, Andres, Milinkovi and Bartoli in defence. In midfield, Payne, Santi, Magull and Schough operated, while the attack featured Cambiaghi and Bugeja. In the second half, the coach introduced Le Bihan in the 72′ and Polli in the 82′.

The cautions were issued to Tindell (H) in the 67′, Bugeja (I) in the 74′, Karlsson (H) and Le Bihan (I) both in the 86′. Defender Häcken Falk was sent off in the 89′ for a handball. Referee Martincic officiated the match with assistants Petravic and Kung.

Inter Women’s next opponents will be Austria Vienna, Lyon, Manchester City, Real Madrid and Arsenal in the single‑group stage. These fixtures will determine whether the nerazzurre will retain the group lead.

With the three points earned, Inter Women are temporarily at the top of the group table. Meanwhile, the match between Bayern Munich and Manchester City ended 2‑2, keeping the battle for first place alive.

In the single‑group stage schedule, the fixtures between Arsenal and HB Koge, Juventus and Benfica, Real Madrid and Paris Saint‑Germain, as well as matches such as OH Leuven‑Roma and Servette‑Lyon will also be played.

This positive start highlights the growth of women's football in Italy and Inter Women’s ability to compete at the European level. © Copyright ANSA