Manchester United Women lost 1-0 to Brann in the first leg of the third qualifying round of the Women’s Champions League on Thursday evening.
United nearly got off to a perfect start when Anna Sandberg picked out the in-form Elisabeth Terland, who could only direct her header just wide of the bottom corner.
In the 11th minute, summer signing Jess Parker tried to set up Ella Toone, weaving past her marker before firing a low cross into the box, but Toone was prevented from providing the finish.
Two minutes later, United created another big chance, with Lisa Naalsund combining with Melvin Malard, and the French forward squared the ball to Toone, whose effort was blocked.
Brann almost scored the opening goal in the 21st minute, when defender Mia Authen’s effort looked goal-bound, but Maya Le Tissier was rightly positioned to avert the danger.
Goalkeeper Selma Panengstuen made a terrific save to deny Toone after a beautiful team move. She denied the English midfielder again before halftime, tipping the ball over the post.
Just after the restart, Malard had two chances to score, but one was blocked, and the other was cleared away, following a cross from Sandberg.
Brann got a chance when Lauren Davidson received a pass from Signe Gaupset and raced towards goal but could only fire her effort wide.
Panengstuen was terrific again on 59 minutes, denying Dominique Janssen from giving United the lead, spilled her save into the path of Park but recovered in time to smother the rebound.
Brann found the breakthrough against the run of play on 76 minutes, as Ingrid Stenevik met Gaupset’s delivery at the far post and nodded the ball home.
Panengstuen continued her bravery in goal for the hosts, making three consecutive saves to deny Man United from leveling the scores.
United must now overturn the one-goal deficit in next week’s reverse fixture at Leigh Sports Village to qualify for the league phase.