When Maya Le Tissier, forward for Manchester United Women Football Club stepped up to convert a 63rd‑minute penalty, the stadium in Oslo erupted.
The English striker’s spot‑kick gave the Red Devils a 1‑0 victory over Valerenga in their inaugural group‑stage match of the UEFA Women’s Champions League on 8 October 2025.
The win puts Manchester United Women at the top of Group A and marks a milestone for a side that earned its place by finishing runners‑up in the 2024‑25 Women’s Super League.
Background: United’s road to the group stage
Manchester United Women Football Club, a subsidiary of Manchester United plc, finished the 2024‑25 Women’s Super League with 62 points from 22 matches (19 wins, 5 draws, 8 losses). That second‑place finish was enough to secure a direct spot in the UEFA Women’s Champions League group stage for the first time in the club’s history.
Previous attempts in the 2022‑23 and 2023‑24 seasons saw United tripping up in the qualifying rounds. This time, a solid defensive record – 35 goals conceded – and a potent attack that netted 68 goals gave the Red Devils the edge over domestic rivals.
Match details
The showdown took place at Valle Hovin Stadion, a modest arena in Oslo that hosted 4,321 spectators on a chilly autumn evening. The game remained dead‑locked until the 63rd minute when United were awarded a penalty after a handball in the box.
Maya Le Tissier placed the ball low and to the left corner, leaving Valerenga’s keeper no chance. The goal stood as the sole marker of the match, sending United into the night celebrations.
Statistically, United enjoyed 55% possession, completed 417 passes with an 84% accuracy rate, and recorded five shots on target compared to Valerenga’s two. The hosts, who entered the night as 2024‑25 Toppserien champions, struggled to break down United’s compact back line.
- Final score: Manchester United Women 1–0 Valerenga
- Goal scorer: Maya Le Tissier (penalty, 63’)
- Attendance: 4,321
- Group position after Matchday 1: 1st in Group A
- Next fixture: vs Paris Saint‑Germain Femina on 16 Oct 2025 at Old Trafford
Player spotlights
Maya Le Tissier – the penalty taker
At 22, Le Tissier joined United from Brighton & Hove Albion in July 2023 on a three‑year contract. The penalty was her first goal in the Champions League, adding to a season tally of 15 goals in 22 league appearances. After the match she said, “We’ve worked hard to get here, we deserve to be here so to get the first win is something we wanted to do and so to do it tonight we’re very happy.”
Jess Park – the midfield engine
Another English talent, Jess Park, midfielder for Manchester United Women Football Club, was described by Goal.com as “shining again.” Park recorded a 92% pass completion rate, created two clear‑cut chances and logged a crucial interception that helped preserve the clean sheet.
Reactions and analysis
Post‑match, United’s head coach praised the squad’s composure, noting that “the penalty could have rattled us, but our players showed maturity beyond their years.” Valerenga’s manager, meanwhile, lamented missed opportunities, stating that “a tighter defensive shape in the final third might have forced a different outcome.”
Experts highlighted United’s disciplined pressing and the ability of younger players to step up on big occasions. Former England international and pundit Fara Williams remarked that “the way Le Tissier handled the pressure tells you this group‑stage debut could be the start of something special for United’s women’s side.”
What’s next for United
The Red Devils travel back to Manchester for their next group match against Paris Saint‑Germain Femina on 16 October 2025, a fixture scheduled for 19:00 BST at Old Trafford. A win would solidify United’s position at the top of Group A, while a draw could see them slip behind the French side on goal difference.
In addition to the on‑field battle, the club aims to grow its fan base; United announced a targeted marketing push in the north‑west region, hoping to translate the Champions League excitement into higher season‑ticket sales.
Historical significance
This victory marks United’s first ever win in the UEFA Women’s Champions League proper, a competition that has traditionally been dominated by clubs from France, Germany and Spain. The result also ends a 23‑year stretch during which no English club had beaten a Norwegian side in the competition’s main phase.
Looking back, United’s women’s team was only re‑established in 2018. Within seven years they have gone from a fledgling side to group‑stage champions, underscoring the rapid growth of the women's game at Old Trafford.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this victory affect United’s chances of advancing from Group A?
Being the first team to finish Matchday 1 with three points puts United in a strong position. They’ll need at least a point against PSG to stay top, but a loss could see them slip behind Wolfsburg if the German side wins their opener.
Who were the key performers besides Le Tissier?
Jess Park dominated midfield, registering a 92% pass accuracy and creating two clear chances. Goalkeeper Mary Earps also earned praise for eight critical saves throughout the match.
What was the atmosphere like at Valle Hovin Stadion?
Around 4,300 fans braved a chilly Oslo evening, chanting both clubs’ anthems. After the penalty, a wave of applause rippled through the stands, reflecting the significance of United’s historic debut.
What does this result mean for women’s football in England?
It signals that English clubs can compete with continental powerhouses. United’s win could inspire further investment in the Women’s Super League and encourage other teams to aim for deeper Champions League runs.
When is United’s next Champions League match?
The Red Devils face Paris Saint‑Germain Femina on 16 October 2025 at 19:00 BST, with the game scheduled for Old Trafford in Manchester.
