WHAT HAPPENED
We made the perfect start to our Champions League campaign on Thursday night as we secured a 4-0 first-leg victory over Fiorentina in the last-32.
Our last European fixture took place on March 30, 2014, a whole 1,992 days ago - but we were made to wait just 18 minutes for an opener at Stadio Artemio Franchi.
After dominating play on the edge of Fiorentina’s area, Vivianne Miedema received the ball inside the six-yard box and faked to shoot, before shifting on to her right foot and firing into the bottom left corner.
Our attacking pressure was relentless and shortly after Miedema turned provider, displaying incredible vision to play a flicked pass into the path of Kim Little, who doubled our advantage with a snap shot into the far corner.
Following the break, Fiorentina would have hoped to hold their shape and deliver a tighter defensive showing - but that gameplan was quickly undone when Miedema latched on to an underhit backpass and rounded the keeper for her second of the night.
Lisa Evans then went on to make it four after some excellent wing play from Beth Mead, firing a powerful volley into the top corner for her first goal of the season.
The scoreline was no less than we deserved for a mature attacking performance from start to finish.
WHAT IT MEANS
We now have the advantage of four away goals for the return leg at Meadow Park, taking place on Thursday, September 26 (7.30pm)
Make sure you’ve got your tickets!
WHAT’S NEXT
We must now prepare to face Manchester United in the Women’s Super League on Monday, September 16.
The game will take place at Leigh Sports Village with kick-off at 7.30pm (UK time)
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