Celtic have made history as the first Scottish side to qualify for the Women’s Champions League group stages, following a decisive 2-0 victory over Vorskla Poltava at home, securing a 3-0 aggregate win.
The match saw Celtic Women clinch a historic milestone, with Emma Louise Lawton and Shannon McGregor netting the crucial goals at the Albert Bartlett Stadium. After a lacklustre first half, Lawton broke the deadlock in the 52nd minute, heading in her first goal for the team from a cross delivered by Lucy Ashworth-Clifford. McGregor then doubled the lead in the 62nd minute with another header, ensuring Celtic’s progression to the group stages.
The draw for the Women’s Champions League group stages is set to take place on Friday, 27th September in Nyon.
Meanwhile, Arsenal Women also secured their spot in the group stages with a strong comeback, defeating Hacken 4-1 on aggregate. Trailing 1-0 from the first leg, Arsenal turned the tie in their favour with goals from Lia Walti and summer signing Mariona Caldentey. Walti’s long-range effort hit the bar and went in off the goalkeeper, while Caldentey scored just before halftime through a deflected shot. A superb volley from Beth Mead and a well-coordinated effort involving three substitutes culminating in a goal by Frida Maanum sealed Arsenal’s place in the next round.
Manchester City Women demonstrated their dominance with a 3-0 win over Paris, completing an 8-0 aggregate victory. Khadija Shaw provided an assist to Chloe Kelly just two minutes into the match, before netting twice herself—one following up Kelly’s shot and the other from the penalty spot after being fouled.
These results mean Celtic, Arsenal, and Manchester City will join Chelsea in the Women’s Champions League group stage draw.
Celtic’s historic qualification marks a significant achievement for Scottish football, promising an exciting group stage ahead in the Women’s Champions League.
