How Celtic’s opponents made their way into the UWCL Group Stages

The Celtic Star

·27. September 2024

How Celtic’s opponents made their way into the UWCL Group Stages

Celtic FC Women have been drawn in Group B of the UEFA Women’s Champions League alongside Chelsea, Real Madrid and FC Twente…

Elena Sadiku’s side became the first Scottish team to ever make the group stages of the Women’s Champions League after beating Ukrainian side Vorskla Poltava 3-0 on aggregate in Round Two. Now, difficult ties await the Celts as they continue to reach for the stars.

Chelsea were the runners-up in the 2020/21 edition of the competition. They have won the English Women’s Super League seven times and kicked off their campaign with a 1-0 win over Aston Villa. After clinching the title on goal difference last season, they’ll hope to defend their domestic honours but also fight for European success, which Sadiku and the Ghirls have a chance to prevent. Chelsea qualified automatically as English Champions.

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Real Madrid progressed to the group stages after seeing off Sporting CP with a 5-2 aggregate victory in Round 2. They finished bottom of their group last season, and also failed to progress the season before. Domestically, Real have failed to win Liga F, with their rivals Barcelona holding the title for the last five seasons.

FC Twente failed to make the group stages last season but have taken their place this season after beating ZNK Osijek 8-1 on aggregate in Round Two. Domestically, the Dutch side have nine league titles to their name, with their most recent win coming this year. They play their home games at Sportpark Schreurserve but have had Champions League matches moved to the men’s ground, De Grolsch Veste, in the past – so this could be another fantastic trip for supporters of the Scottish champions.

READ THIS…The Night Celtic Made History in the UEFA Women’s Champions League

And speaking of grounds – Celtic Women today announced that New Douglas Park will now be their new home ground, with domestic games and UWCL matches taking place in the Hamilton stadium. However one of the Champions League games will be taking place at Celtic Park, presumably the game against Real Madrid. Now if that can’t get a big crowd…

New Douglas Park is a move that will hopefully help more supporters attend games, with public transport links being much better to Hamilton than Airdrie. This ground also meets all of the Group Stage requirements for the Champions League, meaning that this is the perfect home as the Ghirls continue to fight for success.

The first match at the new stadium will be against Queen’s Park on 6 October just days before Celtic FC Women’s first ever UEFA Champions League Group stages match.

Champions League fixtures will be confirmed in due course, but the first games will take place on October 8 & 9.

Jessica Elliott