Wrexham win on Women's Champions League debut

Wrexham celebrated their Women's Champions League debut with a thrilling 4-2 victory against FC Pyunik in the first qualifying round semi-final at the Racecourse Ground. Jenny Sugarman's side will now face Riga FC of Estonia in Saturday's first qualifying round final, after Riga earlier defeated Glentoran 4-1.

Historic European Debut

Wrexham were making their European debut after winning the Adran Premier for the first time in their history last season. Their victory marked the first time a team from Wales had won a game in the Champions League since Cardiff Met in the 2019-20 season.

Early Setback and Quick Response

The Armenian champions took the lead after 12 minutes when Susanna Badalya capitalized on a poor clearance from Wrexham goalkeeper Liz Craven, firing home from outside the penalty box. Wrexham responded instantly: a strong run from Faye Knox down the left flank led to a cross that was met perfectly by Katie Barker, whose goal settled the home side's nerves. Barker, the former Newcastle United striker, came close to scoring a second but saw her effort saved by Pyunik goalkeeper Amber Lockwood.

Second-Half Surge

Wrexham took the lead five minutes after the break when Lili Jones' right-footed shot from the edge of the penalty area took a slight deflection and sailed into the top corner. That goal gave the home side the confidence to push for a third, which arrived on 62 minutes. Lockwood fumbled Jones' shot, and Ava Suckley pounced to tap home from close range. However, Pyunik kept themselves in the game when Luiza Ghazaryan's powerful shot gave Craven no chance.

Late Drama and Historic Win

Wrexham winger Knox then missed a great chance to add a fourth, but new signing Natasha Thomas sealed the historic victory in the dying stages. She also struck the crossbar in added time. The win sets up a final against Riga FC, with a place in the second qualifying round at stake.