Guro Reiten might not have had the pleasure of seeing one of the most important goals she has scored for Chelsea Women hit the net, but her delight at making the difference was obvious afterwards.
The Norwegian finished expertly on her weaker foot to put us ahead against Lyon shortly before the half-hour mark of an engrossing quarter-final first leg in France.
Despite chances to add to our tally it finished 1-0 so Guro could reflect on her seventh goal of the season with extra satisfaction.
‘I felt that I didn't have much time to line up the shot,’ she said.
‘That's why I struck it so well, actually. I don't usually shoot with my right foot; the girls even told me they'd never seen me shoot with my right.
‘I didn’t see it go in but I heard the crowd! Did I actually score?! It was a great feeling and we're really happy to get the win.’
On the performance as a whole, Reiten reckoned we made it difficult for our hosts, the holders of the Champions League, to create much. Indeed, they managed two on-target efforts all evening, with Ann-Katrin Berger only seriously tested when she tipped Delphine Cascarino’s effort onto the post.
‘It was a great shift from everyone. We annoyed them. They didn’t know how to create chances. We know we’re very dangerous when we first get hold of the ball.
‘I could have scored two, maybe should have. Sam had a few attempts, but we kept them away from our box. They had to go for it in the end, but luckily we didn’t concede.
‘It’s a difficult place to come to, Lyon. They’ve won the Champions League I don’t know how many times! Tough game, very happy with the result, but there’s still another game to play.’
The return leg at Stamford Bridge next Thursday 30 March promises to be a cracker and tickets, starting at just £9 for adults and £1 for juniors and seniors, are available now.