Wrexham bow out of Women’s Champions League qualifying
Wrexham Women’s first European campaign ended with a 4-1 defeat to Latvian champions Riga FC in the Women’s Champions League qualifying second round. The result halted Wrexham’s progress after an encouraging start and underlined Riga’s greater experience and quality, despite the Welsh champions taking an early lead at the Racecourse.
Lili Jones put Wrexham ahead in the ninth minute, but Riga scored twice shortly after half-time through Minami Oi and Kumba Brima before Laura Kallase and Shiori Kato extended the lead. Wrexham had reached the final by beating Armenian champions FC Pyunik 4-2 in their European debut, while Riga arrived having won all 24 of their league matches in 2025.
- Wrexham lost 4-1 to Riga FC in Champions League qualifying.
- Lili Jones gave Wrexham an early lead.
- Riga scored four times to secure progression.
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The Women's Champions League is Europe's premier club football competition for women's teams. Clubs from across the continent must first progress through qualifying rounds before reaching the main tournament stage.
Wrexham Women is the women's team of the Welsh club Wrexham, which has recently gained international attention through investment in its men's side. The club had won the Welsh domestic league championship and was attempting their first European campaign.
Riga FC, the Latvian national champions, are a more experienced European force with greater resources and development. Wrexham's journey had begun with an encouraging victory over Armenian champions FC Pyunik, but they encountered stronger opposition in this qualifying round.