Key events
13 min: To answer my own question, they can’t find one yet. Their latest attack, while patient as previously mentioned, does not materialise into a clear cut chance.
11 min: United are being so patient with their build-up play as they edge up pitch, can they find an opener?
9 min: United win another corner and Sandberg is the taker once again. In the ball swings but the whistle is blown for a foul in the box so Vålerenga can clear.
8 min: Possession flips back and forth with United’s early dominance starting to fade as Vålerenga settle into this one.
6 min: Vålerenga have their first attack of the game but it is easily snuffed out by the hosts. The visitors need to be patient in defence but when they have those attacking chances, they need to make them count.
4 min: United are looking comfortable in possession, this time Park winning a corner. The set piece is taken by Sandberg which is delivered well but Janssen just misses her header.
2 min: This is the first time these two sides have played one another and United are the first to attack. It’s popped into the box and Terland almost gets on the end of it but it’s out for a goal kick.
Kick-off: Manchester United 0-0 Vålerenga
Here we go.
The players are out at Leigh Sports Village, can United get their campaign off to the perfect start or will Vålerenga spring a surprise? All to come.
It’s been a little while since I have written a live blog so I thought it would be a good time to revive the discussion I usually have with readers around what snacks you have on the go while keeping up with the action. For me tonight is white chocolate, what are you digging into? Email me and let me know.
In Manchester this evening it’s a cool 11 degrees and is cloudy but not too windy in case anyone was wondering what the conditions are like for this one. The referee for the match will also be Ewa Augustyn.
The two earlier kick-offs have now concluded with Chelsea drawing 1-1 with FC Twente and Real Madrid thumping Roma 6-2.
For all the details on who every team will play during this league phase have a read of this:
Do you have questions about how the Women’s Champions League will work this season? Well the Guardian has you covered. Here’s all you need to know:
The defending Champions League champions, Arsenal, got their title defence underway yesterday. Have a read of this to see how they got on:
Chelsea are in action as you read and you can keep up to date with all the action from their game against FC Twente below:
Team news
The team news is in for this fixture. United are without Leah Galton and Celine Bizet who are injured.
Man Utd: Tullis-Joyce; Riviere, Janssen, Le Tissier, Sandberg; Toone, Miyazawa, Zigiotti Olme; Park; Terland, Malard.
Subs: Rendell, George, Blundell, Rolfo, Awujo, Naalsund, Williams.
Vålerenga: Enblom; Horte, Kovacs, Eiriksdottir; Tennebo, Vickius, Inauen, Heidarsdottir; Hegg, Saevik, Tvedten.
Subs: Grinde-Hansen, Erichsen, Pettersen, Lindwall, Thorsnes, Sesay, Aronsson, Enger, S. Hansen, Bergman-Lundin, Brekken
Preamble
Hello and welcome to the Women’s Champions League match between Manchester United and Vålerenga.
This is the first time United have played at this stage of the competition and they have reached the stage after coming through qualifying. The English club are in good form but it will be interesting to see how they handle this stage of the competition.
Vålerenga, on the other hand, are well-versed in the group stage after competing last season. The club did not qualify for the knockout stage after being drawn in a difficult group alongside Arsenal, Bayern Munich and Juventus. This year they will aim to progress but once again find themselves in a tricky position with United, Wolfsburg, Roma, St Polten, Bayern and Paris FC their opponents.
Action in this match will kick-off at 8pm BST but the team news will drop shortly so keep an eye out for updates.
