Nigeria international Toni Payne played a key role as Inter Milan Women began their UEFA Women’s Champions League league phase campaign with a 1-0 victory over Swedish club BK Häcken.
Payne started the match at the Stadio Brianteo in Monza and played 72 minutes as Inter secured three points in their historic European campaign.
Payne Starts for Inter
The Super Falcons midfielder was deployed in midfield as Inter looked to control the game against Häcken.
Payne completed 82 per cent of her passes before being replaced by Clara Le Bihan in the 72nd minute.
Her performance helped Inter maintain their structure during a closely contested match.
Inter Make Champions League History
The victory marked a significant moment for Inter Milan Women, who are competing in the Women’s Champions League league phase for the first time in the club’s history.
The Italian side had already made history by reaching the league phase after overcoming Wolfsburg in the qualifying round.
Inter defeated Wolfsburg on penalties after the two legs ended with the aggregate score level, securing their place among Europe’s leading women’s clubs.
Bugeja Scores the Winner
The only goal of the match came from Haley Bugeja.
Her goal gave Inter the lead and ultimately proved enough to secure all three points in their opening league phase fixture.
The result also gave Inter a positive start against Häcken, who entered the competition as the reigning UEFA Women’s Europa Cup champions.
Payne’s New European Chapter
Payne joined Inter during the summer after spending two seasons with Everton in England.
The Nigerian midfielder previously played for clubs including Ajax and Sevilla before moving to England.
She signed a contract with Inter running until June 2028 and is now competing in another of Europe’s major women’s football competitions.
What Comes Next for Inter
Inter will return to Champions League action on October 1 when they travel to Austria to face Austria Wien.
The Italian club will then face OL Lyonnes, Manchester City, Real Madrid and Arsenal during the remainder of the league phase.
For Payne, the European campaign provides another opportunity to compete at the highest level of women’s club football while continuing her career with Inter Milan.