Linfield's Robert Garrett beats Markus Henriksen to the ball to head clear

Linfield secured a deserved draw in the first leg of the Champions League second round qualifier thanks to an impressive display at Windsor Park.

Blues midfielder Robert Garrett fired over from 16 yards in one of the few chances in a dull first half.

The Norwegian visitors improved after the break and Alan Blayney made a fine save to keep out Markus Henriksen.

Linfield captain Noel Bailie rescued his side with a superb goal-line clearance five minutes from time.

Linfield were massive underdogs against Norway's top side but there was little between the teams in a lacklustre opening 45 minutes.

Garrett's effort came on 40 minutes and Henriksen rifled his shot straight at Blayney three minutes later.

Brian McCaul failed to connect with a pinpoint BJ Burns cross just seconds after the restart.

Rosenborg's superior fitness began to tell as the half progressed and Roar Strand blazed wide before Blayney brilliantly tipped Henriksen's shot round the post for a corner.

We played tremendously well and on occasions we even troubled Rosenborg David Jeffrey

The Norwegian's were denied again late on when Bailie slid in to block Morten Moldskred's goal-bound strike.

"Every single one of my players were heroes - I'm so proud of them," said delighted Linfield boss David Jeffrey.

"I didn't expect this given the pedigree and quality of the Rosenborg side.

"We played tremendously well and on occasions we even troubled Rosenborg, we got forward and just didn't defend for the whole game.

"I'm also proud of our supporters as they really got behind us."

The Carling Premiership side travel to Norway for the second leg next Wednesday.

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