Lisa De Vanna in action mid week in Sweden Lisa De Vanna in action mid week in Sweden

From France to Sweden, several players were in action midweek participating in pre-season friendlies and gaining game time in the prestigious UEFA Women's Champions League.

We have a review at how they fared in their various hit outs as well as look at the weekend fixtures. 

Aivi Luik and Michelle Heyman took on Europe's best in France as their Brøndby IF took on UEFA Women's Champions League holders Lyon.  Unfortunately for Aivi and Michelle, the very talented French team, who boast the likes of Sonia Bompastor, Louisa Necib and Lotta Schelin, were far too strong.  A 4 - 0 win puts Lyon in the box seat ahead of next week's return leg.

Luik played 77 minutes before being substituted while Heyman was injected into the match on 59 minutes.

Match Report

In Sweden Lisa De Vanna had an easier time of it with her side Linköpings FC romping home to an easy 9 - 0 win over first division side Osters FC.  De Vanna opened the scoring before being subbed off in the second half.  Although she didn't contribute to the scoreboard for the rest of the match, coach Christian Andersson was pleased with her hit out.

"We have some combinations in our offensive game that is very, very good considering we have two new forwards today who have not played together before and it was our first match in three and a half weeks."

Match Report 

Elsewhere in Sweden, Lydia Williams' Piteå defeated Everton 3 - 1 as they also prepare for their opening game of the Damallsvenskan.

Match Report

WEEKEND ACTION

Fresh off a Player of the Match performance against Arsenal Ladies in the FA Cup, Laura Alleway, along with Collette McCallum, will this weekend take on Chelsea Ladies in the Contential Cup.  The match will be streamed live on FA TV.  We will let you know as soon as we receive the link.

Match Preview

Laura Alleway's Blog on Lincoln Ladies website

This Saturday Lisa De Vanna's Linköpings travel to match up with Leena Khamis and Kim Carroll's Fortuna Hjørring in Hjørring, Denmark.  Both sides are continuing their preparation for their first matches in their respective leagues.

May the best Matilda(s) win!

In Germany Sally Shipard's Bayer Leverkusen continue their quest for survival in the Frauen Bundesliga.  After coming so close to gaining at least a point against now ladder leaders Duisburg, Leverkusen will be looking to pick up points as they face Lokomotive Leipzig, who are currently one place and 5 points ahead of them on the table.

Leverkusen will fancy their chances against Leipzig, who lost their mid-week match to Duisburg 1 - 6, considering their good showing last weekend against the same side.