Häcken begin their Champions League campaign as heavy underdogs against Inter in Milan on Wednesday evening. It's a role the team embraces and one that striker Anna Anvegård sees as a pure source of motivation.
"It feels like they are very eager for revenge," says Anvegård about the Italian opponents, whom Häcken faced in last season's Europa Cup. On that occasion, the Swedish side emerged victorious and went on to win the entire title. Now Inter are in the Champions League for the first time, while Häcken will also face Manchester City, Chelsea, and Olympique Lyonnais in the group stage.
Statistics company Opta gives Häcken a 1.7 percent chance of winning the entire tournament. "It seems to suit Häcken," notes Anvegård about the low external expectations. The match in Milan kicks off at 18:45 and will be broadcast on TV4 Play.
Häcken head into the match off the back of a strong 5-0 win against Kalmar FF in the Allsvenskan this past weekend. The team sits fifth in the league with 36 points after 22 rounds and has the form WDDLW in their last five matches. Ahead of the Champions League opener, Ben Engdahl and Filip Ohman remain sidelined with injuries.
Following the European trip, an important home match against Orgryte IS in the Allsvenskan awaits on October 11th.
Read the full report at Aftonbladet
