Because both Caroline Graham Hansen and Frida Maanum have greatly contributed to the readiness of their respective teams for the semifinals of the Champions League.

The last one with a gem of a goal when Arsenal won the quarter-final match against Bayern Munich 2-0. The win got them semi-final ready at 2-1 on aggregate after two matches.

The goal for the carry came after a dream struck from over 20 meters. The ball crosses the crossbar and goes straight to the farthest cross.

– Maanum’s goals are world class and that is no coincidence. I’ve seen him score goals like that many times both in training and games. The ball is almost completely suspended in the air and no goalkeeper in the world catches it, says Vålerenga striker and NRK expert Elise Thorsnes.

– It will get better

From his midfield position, Maanum played well in several parts of the game and was dangerous in attack in several occasions. The national team player has impressed recently and has been a fixture in Arsenal’s team which is fourth in the English Super League.

– Maanum has taken great strides in recent years. He is still young, but is one of the few Norwegian players abroad to play regularly for his club team. He will only get better and better, and will be important for the Norwegian national team in the summer, Thorsnes told NRK.

Right after the dream goal, it was the Swede who would contribute to more Arsenal cheers. Stina Blackstenius scored the winner from close range to double the London side’s lead. 2-0 is also the final result.

Destroyed

Earlier on Wednesday, it was another national team player who was supposed to show his best side. Caroline Graham Hansen followed up with two assists in what turned out to be a hard-fought win for Barcelona against Roma. The Spanish team did not give up until they scored five goals and eventually won 5-1.

Fridolina Rolfö from Sweden contributed strongly with two goals. Barcelona is also 1-0 up from the first match and thus also up for the semifinals.

Thus it was a tough day for Roma’s Emilie Haavis, who reached the quarter-finals.

Hansen, who for his part can be cheered on the progress, returned three weeks ago after an injury break that lasted since October.

– We know what “Caro” stands for. It also bodes well for “Caro” who is injury-free and has more surplus after taking a break from the national team, said Thorsnes.

This week it also became clear that Hansen is part of the Hege Riise national team squad for the first time since he took a break after last year’s EC.