Scottish Women's Football

Amy Canavan
BBC Sport Scotland at Albert Bartlett Stadium

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Elena Sadiku hopes Celtic can "surprise teams" in the Champions League group stages.

The Scottish champions will learn of their opponents later today and while there is unprecedented delight and pride in their camp, they're not entering this competition merely to make up the numbers.

Celtic are the first Scottish side to reach the groups since the competition underwent a revamp, and the Swede wants her side to use that history as motivation.

"I don't think I can explain the excitement that is in that locker room right now," the head coach said. "We need to be confident because we've enjoyed something which nobody in Scotland has done before.

"If that doesn't give them confidence, then I don't know what will!

"I'm just really happy for the players. They're living their dream, they're going to play the top players out in Europe and that's exactly what we want to do.

"We want to compete out in Europe. We'll need to learn from this experience because it's going to be tough but with the togetherness in this group, I hope we can surprise teams."

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Former Scotland goalkeeper Cammy Bell believes Celtic's qualification for the group stages of the Champions League will be "massive' for women's football in Scotland".

Elena Sadiku's side became the first Scottish team to qualify for the Women’s Champions League group stage since it was introduced in 2020-21, after they beat Vorskla Poltava 2-0 on Thursday for a 3-0 aggregate victory.

"It's massive for women's football in Scotland," Bell told the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.

"It was just a brilliant result and it's great for Scottish women's game.

"It's growing all the time and this progression from Celtic reaching the group stages of the Champions League is going to be massive.

"All the media hype that comes with it that, it's just new exposure for the women's game.

"Exciting times in the women's game and hopefully that continues."

Amy Canavan
BBC Sport Scotland at Albert Bartlett Stadium

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"I'm still in a daze from signing, it's just surreal."

It's been a whirlwind two weeks for Emma Lawton.

In the space of 14 days the 23-year-old has gone from plying her trade part-time for Partick Thistle to signing full-time for Celtic, then starting and scoring in their final Champions League qualifier.

The full-back admitted she's a confidence-based player, and given her crazy - yet commanding - two weeks, confidence ought to be sky-high.

The Scotland under-23 international was the only change for Thursday night's match from the first leg, and she was a bright light in an otherwise dull first half in Airdrie.

She danced and drove down the right time and time again, but she was smack in the middle of the goal, awaiting Lucy Ashworth-Clifford's cross for the opener.

"It was a great cross from Lucy and I just thought to give it everything, and thankfully it went in," she said once the celebrations had tamed enough for her to talk.

"I wasn’t 100% sure it went in, then I heard the cheers so I knew, then I thought I’ll just wait here on everybody coming to me."

If anyone deserved a wee minute to take it all in, it was Lawton.

She said she "still cannot process" the past two weeks which has seen her take a step back from her role as a one-to-one coach as she adapts to the full-time football lifestyle.

She hopes it's something she'll pick up again but for now, her full focus is on the football, which is "nice".

For a player "who needs to put in big performances to have that confidence," the upcoming group stage games she helped her side earn will only present more opportunities for those.

A historic night in Scottish women's football and an unforgettable evening for Celtic at that, as goals from summer arrivals Emma Lawton and Shannon McGregor secured the club's spot in the Champions League group stage for the first time.

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Celtic head coach Elena Sadiku is "living her dream" as her side qualified for the Champions League group stage for the first time.

The SWPL holders defeated Ukrainian champions Vorskla Poltava 3-0 on aggregate to become the first Scottish side to qualify for the competition's group phase since its inception in 2020-21.

"I told the girls that I am living my dream together with them," Sadiku enthused after the second leg victory.

"I don't think there is a better achievement than that. It sums up what we have been doing so far.

"We are the in the top 16 teams [in Europe]. We done it for the first time ever. I'm already thinking about our game on Sunday and Rangers next Thursday. I'll think about it when the draw happens tomorrow.

"I don't think I can explain the excitement that is in that locker room right now. For me, we need to be confident because we achieved something that nobody in Scotland has been doing before.

"They are living their dream and will play with the top players in Europe and that is what we want to do."

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Women's Champions League qualification would only enhance the feelgood factor at Celtic, says men's captain Callum McGregor.

The SWPL champions are aiming to become the first Scottish team to qualify for the group stage of the competition on Thursday when they host Vorskla Poltava in the second leg of their second-round qualifier.

Elena Sadiku's side took a significant step towards achieving the feat in Sunday's first leg by winning 1-0.

The return match in Airdrie, kicking off at 19:15 BST, will be live on BBC Alba.

"They have a huge chance," McGregor said. "I know they are all looking forward to that chance. Here's hoping they can do it.

"It would continue to add [to the feelgood factor]. Everyone who's here, the expectation is to be playing elite level football in elite level competitions.

"Of course the Champions League is that, but it's very, very difficult to get there.

"They've done great, it's now just about trying to make that last step. There's no reason why they can't do it. Everyone's got full faith in them."

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Elena Sadiku has challenged Celtic to put themselves "on the map" by qualifying for the group stage of the Women's Champions League for the first time.

The Scottish champions will make it through as long as they can protect a 1-0 lead in the second leg of their second-round tie against Ukrainian side Vorskla Poltava in Airdrie on Thursday.

Sadiku was appointed Celtic boss in January and led them to their first SWPL title last term, and the Swede is determined to take another significant step.

"It would mean a lot, we would write history again and that's what we want to do," said Sadiku.

"I've said from the start that I want to make sure we put Celtic on the map and if we get to the group stage, that's exactly what we're going to do.

"We won the title last season so we're at the start of something new, something good, something big. For me, it's been important to build the foundation.

"I just hope the players feel like they are living the dream because getting into the group stage would mean we are one of the top 16 teams in Europe.

"That would be a massive thing. I get goosebumps just thinking about it."

Natalie Ross, 35, has been at Celtic since 2016 and the midfielder is relishing Thursday's match.

"There's a lot of excitement because we know what's at stake," she said.

"I think we can take a lot of confidence from Sunday's game, I'd say it was one of our best performances. But we can't underestimate them because they are a very good team.

"It's hard not to get too ahead of ourselves but if we get there it would be an unbelievable achievement."

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Celtic will have "too much" for Vorskla Poltava in the second-leg of their second round Champions League qualifying match, says former Scotland captain Gemma Fay, as the SWPL champions eye becoming the first Scottish team to qualify for the group stage.

Elena Sadiku's side took a significant step towards achieving the feat in Sunday's first leg against the Ukrainian champions, where they were 1-0 winners.

Celtic host again on Thursday evening in Airdrie, with kick-off 19:15 BST live on BBC Alba, in the knowledge a clean sheet will send them among Europe's elite.

The Glasgow side defeated Finnish outfit KuPS and Lithuanian side Gintra in the first round of qualifying, after entering the champions path following last season's dramatic title win.

Sadiku's team clinched their first SWPL title with a 90th-minute winner against Hibernian, a success driven by the heartache they endured the previous term.

Under Fran Alonso, they were seconds away from celebrating before news across the city of Glasgow City's triumph reached them.

Then, this time last season, they were knocked out of the Champions League in a penalty shootout against Valerenga.

But it is such heartache which former Scotland captain Gemma Fay believes will stand them in good stead for Thursday's crucial second leg.

"They've lost with the last kick of the game, they've lost on a penalty shootout, they've been in these moments and had that experience," Fay said on the Behind the Goals podcast.

"I think they've got enough players who understand what pressure is and how to achieve under it.

"I think this is a winnable tie, but I think there's some caution needed out there," she added.

Winnable it is, particularly given Celtic's strength in depth.

For instance, Saoirse Noonan, who netted a hat-trick against KuPS and again last week against Montrose, remained on the bench in the first leg.

"I think they have opportunities to bring players on that can change a game to either shore it up or to chase it if they need to, so I just think they've probably got a bit too much."

Gemma Fay discusses the pitfalls surrounding Celtic's potential Women's Champions League revenue should they qualify for the group stages.

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Gemma Fay is urging former club Celtic to be wary in the second leg of their Champions League qualifier against Vorskla Poltava.

Elena Sadiku's side were 1-0 winners in the first leg on Sunday and need to avoid defeat on Thursday to land a spot in the group stage.

Former Scotland and Celtic goalkeeper Fay believes her ex-team's European experience will be key in getting them over the line.

Speaking on the BBC's Behind the Goals podcast, Fay said: "I think they've got enough players on the pitch who have had those experiences of what pressure is and how to play under pressure.

"I think the depth of their squad is far better. I think they've got a lot more opportunity to bring players on who can change the game to either shore it up or to chase.

"But they have to be careful, they can't be slack in the build-up because they can be punished. This is a winnable tie, but there is some caution."

Victoria Esson (Rangers): Made a crucial save at 0-0 and despite not having an awful lot to do for much of the afternoon she was alert to any potential threats and demonstrated good handling when coming out for high balls.

Samantha Van Diemen (Glasgow City): Composed and comfortable at the back. As well as dealing with most that comes her way, she also strives to get the ball forward.

Rosie Slater (Partick Thistle): Developing all the time at this level. She’s brave and doesn’t mind attacking the ball and we saw both of those qualities this weekend as she put Thistle 2-0 up against Dundee United.

Jenna Penman (Motherwell): Played her part in keeping a clean sheet for her side, while also helping Motherwell to their first win in six with an assist.

Brogan Hay (Rangers): Really influential for Rangers, bursting forward at every opportunity. She opened the scoring in what was a big game. She was a thorn in Hearts side all afternoon.

Amy Bulloch (Partick Thistle): Thistle were in complete control of their game against Dundee United and Bulloch was thick in amongst it, driving forward and looking to set up attacks.

Rio Hardy (Rangers): Persisted after missing an early chance so deserved her goal. Her link-up play with Hay was on point and she, like Hay, was a danger all afternoon.

Olivia Chomczuk (Spartans): Although she was subbed at half time due to an injury, the 17-year-old impressed when she was on the park. She was everywhere and was alert to the follow-up to grab Spartans' opener.

Saoirse Noonan (Celtic): Scored a hat-trick, helping her side to a win over Montrose. Her third goal, Celtic’s fourth, was key after Montrose had staged a potential fight-back. At 3-2 it was nervy but Noonan’s strike on 81 minutes eased the tension.

Sofia Maatta (Glasgow City): Not just in the team for her goal, which made life more comfortable for City, but also for her work rate. She was a real threat down the right all afternoon and was always looking to create.

Laura Berry (Motherwell): She’s brought real quality to this side. Four goals this weekend says it all in terms of how important she is to Motherwell.

Lee Gibson talks to BBC Scotland after her 250th appearance in Glasgow City colours.

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Spartans manager Jack Beesley: "I'm delighted with the result but not so delighted with lots of aspects of the performance. We were sloppy in possession and caused quite a lot of problems for ourselves. We probably didn't handle going 3-0 up particularly well but I'm delighted with the three points."

Aberdeen captain Hannah Stewart: "Spartans started strong, pressed us high up the pitch and we took a while to figure out our own shape. It was just a bad day on the pitch overall and one to forget. We'll look at the positives, forget the negatives and move on."

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Hearts manager Eva Olid: "I'm frustrated, I don't think it was a 2-0 game. They were more clinical than us but I don't think they were the better team. Our pressing in the first half wasn't good enough but in the second half we improved. I don't think they were the better team, they will say they were but not for me."

Rangers manager Jo Potter: "I thought we were dominant, controlled the game for the most part which is pleasing. It's a tough place to come to, Hearts are a tough team to play against so we needed to make sure we're doing what we had to. We needed to get three points because that was the most important thing."

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Dundee United boss Suzy Shepherd: "It's another sore one. We need to start doing the basics well as a team when we do have the ball and we need to be brave enough to retain it. We have got to keep believing and keep working hard."

Partick Thistle manager Brian Graham: "To come away from home and score four goals is pleasing but the number of efforts on goal we had, we have to score more it's as simple as that."

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Celtic boss Elena Sadiku: "The second half was awful, it's not our standards and I'm really disappointed. We won, that's the most important but conceding two goals and not scoring more, I'm not happy at all."

Montrose manager Craig Feroz: "I'm really pleased with the performance. It's probably the first time we've competed against the top teams. We gave them a game and I'm really proud of my team. I'm over the moon with the performance and the big thing is working out how we gave that performance and how we can do it again."

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Queen's Park boss Craig Joyce: "I'm massively disappointed with how we performed. I think we underperformed in every department. I don't think we picked ourselves up from last week which you can't really afford to do in this league. I don't think there's many positives we can take from the game. A poor day at the office for us."

Motherwell boss Paul Brownlie: "I'm delighted with the performance, we looked very strong, lots of attacking variations, scored some good goals so I'm really pleased with the performance from start to finish. A strong performance, a strong three points and a clean sheet."

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Glasgow City manager Leanne Ross: "I think being able to get back to our normal routine has had a big impact on the performance we've been able to put on. We've had good performances already this season and we've maybe just not had the rewards in front of goal so to get the three goal victory is really pleasing.

Hibs manager Grant Scott: "I think the defeat confirms we've got a lot to work on as a group. We know where we are in terms of the league set-up and that kind of confirmed it. We were a little bit off the pace and City were very good."

After another big weekend for women's football, we want your thoughts on all the talking points.

In the SWPL, Rangers returned top with a 2-0 win over Hearts while Glasgow City remain right on their tail with that 3-0 victory at home to Hibs.

Elsewhere, Celtic were 1-0 winners over Vorskla Poltava in the first leg of their Champions League qualifier.

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Murphy Agnew says Celtic's first-leg victory over Vorskla Poltava on Sunday gives them even more motivation to progress to the Champions League group stage.

Elena Sadiku's side face the Ukrainian side again in Airdrie on Thursday night after winning 1-0 thanks to Agnew's early goal. The winner of the tie progresses to the group stage.

"It's exactly what we wanted to do," the forward told CelticTV, external.

"We wanted to win this game to go into the next one with a victory. It gives us a really good leg up going into the next game.

"Thursday will be another really good game, if we win we'll do something we've never done before so that's more motivation."