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Page last updated at 19:36 GMT, Friday, 15 April 2011 20:36 UK

Three teams eye Women's Champions League places

By Tony Leighton

Arsenal knocked out Linkopings in the last round
Arsenal knocked out Linkopings in the last round

The Women's Champions League will be on the minds of three Super League clubs this weekend, most immediately Arsenal as they chase a place in next month's final.

The Gunners will be aiming to overturn a 2-0 first-leg deficit when they entertain Olympique Lyonnais in the second leg of their semi-final on Saturday.

A day later Liverpool face Bristol Academy in the semi-final of the FA Cup with not only a place in the final at stake but also entry into next season's Champions League.

Neither Liverpool nor Bristol have previously competed in Europe, but Arsenal - crowned Euro champions in 2007 - are experienced campaigners.

In the last two rounds of this season's competition they have come from behind to progress, but repeating the feat against Lyon is their toughest task yet.

"We seem to be a team who enjoy fighting back," said goalkeeper Emma Byrne, who holds the record of 56 appearances in Uefa Cup and Champions League matches.

"We react when teams score against us," added the Republic of Ireland keeper, "but we need to snap out of that because a side like Lyon won't give you a second chance.

This is a fantastic opportunity for us and the girls are really excited about what we could achieve

Liverpool manager Robbie Johnson

"I think we can get a result, but whether we can beat them 3-0 I'm not sure. If we can take it to extra time and get to the final that way, though, we'll be happy."

Arsenal have the extra incentive of the final being played at Fulham's Craven Cottage on 26 May, five days after the FA Cup final at Coventry's Ricoh Arena.

If they fail to reach the Euro final they will have the consolation of qualifying once again for the Champions League if they beat Barnet in next week's FA Cup semi.

Meanwhile, the first of the FA Cup finalists will be decided on Sunday in what is arguably the biggest game in the history of both Liverpool and Bristol Academy.

The Reds were three-time FA Cup runners-up during the 1990's, but neither they or Bristol have come remotely close to clinching a European place before.

Now there is a one-off chance to qualify via the FA Cup, as from next year it will be the Super League winners and runners-up that will take the Euro places.

Liverpool manager Robbie Johnson said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for us and the girls are really excited about what we could achieve.

"Getting to the FA Cup final would be absolutely great, but then to have the chance to play in the Champions League would take the club to another level."

Bristol manager Mark Sampson said: "Playing in the FA Cup final is the pinnacle of the women's game in this country and so to get there would be massive for us.

"It would also well and truly put Bristol Academy on the map, and that's one of our aims in this first season of the new Super League."

Academy started the Super League season badly, losing their opening game 4-0 at Birmingham on Thursday night while Liverpool drew 3-3 with local rivals Everton.

But Sampson said: "I know that I'll get a really good, positive reaction from the girls and Liverpool are in for a tough afternoon."



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see also
WSL enjoys second-night goal-fest
14 Apr 11 |  Women
Arsenal win Super League opener
13 Apr 11 |  Women
What is the Women's Super League?
14 Apr 11 |  Women
Women lead way for English football
12 Apr 11 |  Football
Women's Super League 'a step forward'
11 Apr 11 |  Football


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