Image source, Getty Images

To turn to club matters briefly, we found out this week that the Football Association of Wales is one of four national governing bodies that have expressed an interest in hosting the competition’s final in 2027.

European football's governing body Uefa revealed that Wales, along with Poland, Spain and Switzerland, are potential host countries for the marquee match.

Uefa says that any declarations of interest are "not binding", and the final proposals "must be delivered with the bid dossiers by 19 March 2025".

But the FAW confirmed it intends to make a formal bid to host the game in Cardiff.

"The Football Association of Wales confirms its intention to submit a formal bid to Uefa to host the 2027 Women’s Champions League final at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff," the FAW said in a statement.

Image source, Getty Images

Clearly, there is much work to do to make it happen, but former captain Laura McAllister says women's football in Wales could be taken to "stratospheric heights" if the national team can qualify for Euro 2025.

McAllister says reaching the finals could prove transformative for women's sport in Wales.

Speaking to Iconic: The Rise of the Women in Red, a new BBC documentary presented by Jess Fishlock, McAllister says she believes reaching a major tournament for the first time would have a similar impact to the Wales men's team reaching Euro 2016.

"I don't think it's too much to say that it'll transform women’s football," says McAllister, who was part of the squad when Wales played their first tournament qualifying games in 1993.

"Seeing Wales on the world stage, seeing our players line up for the anthem, our flag - these are things that you just can't quite get your head around until they happen.

"It'll be like 2016 all over again with the men's side really. I think people won't quite comprehend what an enormous platform this is until the tournament kicks off and then there will be no turning back.

"Once that genie is out of the bottle I think women's football in Wales will go to stratospheric heights."

Here's a look at the half-time stats...

Image source, BBC Sport

Helen Ward
Former Wales striker on BBC Radio Wales

I wouldn't rush to bring Jess Fishlock on right now.

While it's 0-0 and with that second game in mind and then potentially the final, you don't want to do anything too soon and risk any further injury.

But I think the longer the game goes on without Wales looking likely to score and the more Slovakia put them under pressure, I can see her potentially playing a part later in the second-half.

Michael Pearlman
BBC Sport Wales in Poprad, Slovakia

Positives for Wales from that first half.

One: Olivia Clark.

Two: It's still 0-0.

ENDS.

Katie Sherwood
Former Wales midfielder on Match of the Day Wales

Wales will be happy to regroup and get their composure, because that's something we have been lacking.

We started well but at the moment, Slovakia are in control.

Kath Morgan
Former Wales captain on BBC Radio Cymru

I expected this type of game I have to admit, I knew what type of team Slovakia were.

They're playing with purpose. Wales are creating problems for themselves and we've seen this in nearly every game under Rhian Wilkinson, she's said this in the press.

Thankfully Slovakia's players haven't been good enough to finish their chances.

Wales hold on to keep the game goalless at half-time.

This has not gone to plan for Rhian Wilkinson and her side, who were strong favourites coming into this game.

But it's Slovakia who've been on top, and the home side should be ahead.

However, it's still 0-0, much to Wales' relief.

One minute of added time. Good news for Wales, who look like they could do with a breather and a chance to gather their thoughts.

Helen Ward
Former Wales striker on BBC Radio Wales

Image source, FAW

That's the benefit there of having Olivia Clark playing regular football at a good level.

She's playing in the Champions League at the moment.

Kath Morgan
Former Wales captain on BBC Radio Cymru

Wales are suffering at the moment you have to say.

We're not quite getting close enough to the Slovakia players.

The next five minutes are just so important for Wales.

Image source, FAW

Slovakia are on the attack again, but Gemma Evans is able to clear a cross from the home side's left.

Carrie Jones counters and carries the ball into Slovakia's half, but her cross is well defended.

Wales are holding on for the moment.

Helen Ward
Former Wales striker on BBC Radio Wales

Again, it's on that transition.

Olivia Clark makes a good save, but there's no-one within 10 or 15 yards of the forward who just blasts it over.

A pretty straightforward save from Olivia Clark, but she would have been disappointed to stand up and see none of her team-mates had recovered well enough to get to the rebound.

A fortunate moment for Wales not to go behind.

Olivia Clark is called into action again, this time to keep out a cross from Maria Mikolajova which might have been creeping in at the back post.

Wales are under pressure.

Kath Morgan
Former Wales captain on BBC Radio Cymru

At this level, chances are at a premium so you have to make sure the weight and direction of the pass, the fine details are so important in games like this.

Maybe we'll only get one chance and we'll have to take that chance.

Another huge chance for Slovakia!

A long ball over the top releases Martina Surnovska, who beats Hayley Ladd as she cuts inside on to her right foot and unleashes a powerful shot, which Olivia Clark palms away.

Important save from Clark, who's been the busier of the two goalkeepers so far.

You can hear a rendition of 'Men of Harlech' from the 40 or so Wales fans who've made the journey to Slovakia.

Kath Morgan
Former Wales captain on BBC Radio Cymru

Slovakia are competitive, physical. They're not the best technically, but they work hard and they're tidy.

Wales have to try and take advantage of the fact they have the better technical players.

That's more like it. Rowe spins away from her marker beautifully, speeds down the left and fires in a low cross, but that's gathered by Slovakia keeper Maria Korenclova.

Better from Wales.

Helen Ward
Former Wales striker on BBC Radio Wales

It just seems at the minute, there's a lot hopeful balls going forwards.

There's nothing really with any intent. I want to see Rachel Rowe get into the game a bit more, we know the quality she's got.

Carrie Jones as well, someone that's really good at working in tight space, we're not getting enough of her on the ball either.