Champions League Victory at Home in Køge

UEFA Women's Champions League football returned to Køge Idrætspark on Wednesday evening as HB Køge Women hosted Latvian champions Riga FC. After a dramatic contest packed with goals and a dream comeback from Nadia Nadim, the Danish champions secured an impressive 4-1 victory to book their place in Saturday's final.

HB Køge Women entered the match as clear favourites, but it was the visitors who made the brighter start. Just five minutes into the game, Riga FC took a 1-0 lead when they headed home from a corner.

The Swans responded well and quickly worked their way back into the match. After Cassandra Korhonen struck the post with the home side's best chance up to that point, the equaliser arrived—also from a corner.

Zuzanna Witek delivered the ball into the box, where Simone Boye headed towards goal. The Riga goalkeeper was unable to hold onto the effort, and the rebound fell kindly to Macy Schultz, who calmly slotted home to make it 1-1.

Moments later, HB Køge Women had the ball in the net again following another set piece, but the goal was ruled out for offside. The two sides therefore went into the break level at 1-1.

The second half began at a slower pace, with neither side creating many clear-cut opportunities. However, the momentum shifted dramatically when HB Køge Women made three attacking substitutions between the 60th and 66th minute. Nadia Nadim, Sarah Thygesen and Emelía Óskarsdóttir entered the pitch—and immediately made their mark.

After an excellent overlapping run by Sarah Thygesen, she combined with Signe Markvardsen, who played a low cross back into the penalty area. Nadia Nadim arrived perfectly and finished first time with the inside of her foot to put HB Køge Women 2-1 ahead—a dream return for the experienced striker.

Just nine minutes later, Sarah Thygesen added her name to the scoresheet. Cutting inside from the left onto her stronger foot, she curled a brilliant strike into the far corner to make it 3-1.

Deep into stoppage time, Riga FC added to their misery when Natsumi Taketa inadvertently turned the ball into her own net, sealing a convincing 4-1 victory for HB Køge Women.

The win sends HB Køge Women through to the final of the second qualifying round of the UEFA Women's Champions League, where Scottish side Heart of Midlothian await on Saturday at 3:30 PM (CEST) at Køge Idrætspark.

Tickets for the final are available now at hbkogew.eventii.dk.

Watch the highlights

HB Køge Women 4-1 Riga FC
0-1 Renate Gaugere (5')
1-1 Macy Schultz (24')
2-1 Nadia Nadim (70')
3-1 Sarah Thygesen (79')
4-1 Natsumi Taketa (Own Goal, 90')

Starting XI
66. Lauren Kozal
2. Maria Uhre
3. Macy Schultz
7. Kyra Carusa
11. Cassandra Korhonen
13. Catherine Paulson
17. Rikke Marie Madsen
19. Signe Markvardsen
24. Laura Hermann
28. Simone Boye
88. Zuzanna Witek

Substitutions
Nadia Nadim for Rikke Marie Madsen (61')
Emelía Óskarsdóttir for Catherine Paulson (66')
Sarah Thygesen for Cassandra Korhonen (66')
Andra Termansen for Zuzanna Witek (87')
Sydney Jones for Laura Hermann (87')

HB Køge Women 4-1 Riga FC
UEFA Women's Champions League – Second Qualifying Round, Semi-final
Wednesday, 5 August – 7:00 PM (CEST)
Køge Idrætspark
Attendance: 735