financetom
Business
financetom
/
Business
/
Soccer-Early kick-off, empty stadium? No problem, as Man United's women march on
News World Market Environment Technology Personal Finance Politics Retail Business Economy Cryptocurrency Forex Stocks Market Commodities
Soccer-Early kick-off, empty stadium? No problem, as Man United's women march on
Aug 27, 2025 12:59 PM

STOCKHOLM, Aug 27 (Reuters) - Manchester United ( MANU ) moved closer to a place in the revamped group stage of the Women's Champions League on Wednesday with a 4-0 victory over PSV Eindhoven in Stockholm, but the midday kick-off saw only 387 spectators in the 30,000-capacity stadium.

An Elisabeth Terland hat-trick and a goal from Celin Bizet Donnum were celebrated by a small contingent of travelling fans, whose cheers echoed through the largely empty Stockholm Arena.

"We're used to playing at 12 o'clock on a Sunday at home in the league - when you know the game is so early, you just have to find a way to manage it," Terland told Reuters.

The match was part of a four-team mini-tournament as clubs compete for a spot in the 18-team group stage. Nine clubs, including reigning champions Arsenal, have already secured direct entry, while the others must navigate up to three rounds of qualifiers.

United will face Stockholm side Hammarby, who beat FC Metalist 1925 Kharkiv of Ukraine 5-4 in a thriller later in the evening, in Saturday's final.

The winners of the mini-tournament will advance to the final qualifying round, while the losers of the final and the third-placed team will drop into the inaugural Women's Europa Cup.

Hammarby coach Martin Sjogren praised the new format as a boost for smaller clubs.

"I see the new format as very interesting, and it seems to favour the less-big clubs a little, playing different opponents only once instead of the old four-team groups with double-headers. I really hope that we can make our way all the way to the final tournament," Sjogren told Reuters.

United fan Fiona Lynch, one of the few supporters in attendance at Wednesday's early game, expressed excitement about the club's European prospects.

"It's really important as a fan to experience these opportunities. We don't know how often it'll happen ... but it's memories for life," Lynch said, noting that she plans to travel for future matches if she can get time off work.

Lynch is staying in Stockholm for the conclusion of the mini-tournament on Saturday evening, with United aiming to secure their spot in the next phase of the Women's Champions League.

Comments
Welcome to financetom comments! Please keep conversations courteous and on-topic. To fosterproductive and respectful conversations, you may see comments from our Community Managers.
Sign up to post
Sort by
Show More Comments
Related Articles >
Netflix Stock Is Down 8%: What's Going On?
Netflix Stock Is Down 8%: What's Going On?
Mar 6, 2025
Netflix Inc ( NFLX ) shares faced downward pressure on Thursday, falling some 8.69% to $904.66, amid escalating trade tensions and the impact of new tariffs on U.S. imports from Canada, Mexico and China. What To Know: The tariffs, which took effect this week, have sparked retaliatory measures from trading partners, raising concerns over the global supply chain and the...
Sector Update: Consumer
Sector Update: Consumer
Mar 6, 2025
03:39 PM EST, 03/06/2025 (MT Newswires) -- Consumer stocks were mixed late Thursday afternoon, with the Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLP) up 0.2% and the Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLY) falling 2.6%. In corporate news, Cracker Barrel Old Country Store ( CBRL ) shares jumped past 7% following its better-than-expected fiscal Q2 results. ...
Wendy's Projects up to $18 Billion in Sales by 2028, Eyes Restaurant Count Expansion
Wendy's Projects up to $18 Billion in Sales by 2028, Eyes Restaurant Count Expansion
Mar 6, 2025
03:37 PM EST, 03/06/2025 (MT Newswires) -- Wendy's (WEN) projected an acceleration in annual sales growth on a long-term horizon from its 2025 growth target, and said it expects to add roughly 1,000 restaurants by 2028. Systemwide sales are projected to rise 5% to 6% annually over the long term and reach between $17.5 billion and $18 billion in 2028,...
American Water Works to Acquire South Orange Village Water System for $19.7 Million
American Water Works to Acquire South Orange Village Water System for $19.7 Million
Mar 6, 2025
03:35 PM EST, 03/06/2025 (MT Newswires) -- American Water Works ( AWK ) utility New Jersey American Water Thursday said it agreed to acquire the water system in South Orange Village, New Jersey, for $19.7 million. The purchase is expected to close during the H2, and follows a referendum by residents last November that won support by 62% votes, the...
Copyright 2023-2026 - www.financetom.com All Rights Reserved