Scottish Women's Football

Amy Canavan
BBC Sport Scotland

Image source, SNS

Three-and-a-half years of failure have, finally, come to an end.

Pedro Martinez Losa's appointment came at a crucial time, when Scotland had just missed out a third consecutive major tournament appearance.

His remit was clear. Get the national team back to the top table. Instead, he leaves having suffered two play-off final defeats.

That in itself was poor enough, but with the talented squad he had at his disposal hitting their prime, it was inexcusable.

As was the way Scotland played at times. The Spaniard promised an attack-minded, possession-based style of play. Fleetingly during his spell did we see it.

The first leg of the recent Euro 2025 play-off final against Finland at Easter Road was flat and flimsy with imagination and intent strangers to the cause.

It left an uphill battle in Helsinki where, after being 2-0 down in just 28 minutes, Martinez Losa brought on defenders Lisa Evans and Emma Mukandi, both 32, as second-half substitutes.

As eyebrow-raising a decision that was, none were more shocking than the Scottish FA's decision to hand him a contract extension to 2027 last September.

It felt unmerited and unnecessary at the time, and for the last 10 days, it's looked ridiculous.

During his time in charge, he only oversaw one competitive win against a top-30 side - Austria in the 2023 World Cup semi-final play-off.

Martinez Losa was never short of critics or doubters as his squad grew in age and regressed in accomplishment.

As he departs, they - this golden generation who have arguably missed their golden hour - are right back to square one. Out of the major tournament conversation.

There will be plenty talk in the next few days as to who will succeed the Spaniard. It's an appointment the powers at be cannot afford to waste again.

Image source, SNS

"Proud" Pedro Martinez Losa says he leaves with "fond memories" of his Scotland tenure.

The Spaniard, 48, has been sacked after three-and-a-half years in charge, having failed in two attempts to lead the women's national side to a major finals.

"I am immensely proud of the journey we have undertaken as a group and it has been a privilege to lead the Scotland women's national team," told the Scottish FA website.

"Watching young talent flourish alongside our experienced players has been a highlight of my time here.

"I leave with fond memories and gratitude to my squad, backroom staff, and the passionate supporters, who have been unwavering in their backing.

"Scotland will always hold a special place in my heart, and I wish the team every success in the future."

Scottish FA chief executive Ian Maxwell thanked Martinez Losa for his efforts and noted the national side's promotion to Nations League A, but said "the primary objective was to qualify for a major tournament again".

Pedro Martinez Losa has been sacked as Scotland women head coach, with the Scottish FA board believing "change is required" after the failure to qualify for Euro 2025.

Play-off defeat by Finland left Scotland without a major tournament appearance in six years.

Martinez Losa took charge in July 2021 and oversaw Scotland's promotion to Nations League A, but could not secure World Cup or Euros qualification.

Have the Scottish FA made the right call in parting company with the Spaniard or should he have been given more time?

The recruitment process "will begin immediately" - so who would you like to see appointed?

Let us know your thoughts, external

Celtic captain Kelly Clark says the achievement of the women's team playing in the Champions League group stage for the first time "doesn't feel far off" the men's side's 1967 European Cup win in terms of significance.

Clark was speaking after Celtic lost 3-0 at home to Real Madrid, their fifth consecutive defeat in the competition.

We asked for your views on the midweek action as Celtic lost to Real Madrid in the Champions League and Hearts draw with Glasgow City in the SWPL, allowing Rangers to go top.

Here's what some of you said:

Richard: On a bitterly cold night the Jambos provided a pulsating game against Glasgow City. In truth, the defences were Scrooge-like, giving nothing away, while both forward lines huffed and puffed. An entertaining 0-0 draw to warm Hearts. Next up Spartans, onward we go.

Scott: Celtic are out of their depth in this competition. Embarrassing.

Amy Canavan
BBC Sport Scotland at New Douglas Park

Image source, SNS

Celtic are "putting Scotland on the map" by competing in this season's Champions League, says Real Madrid's Caroline Weir.

The Scotland midfielder returned to her homeland as her Spanish side ran out 3-0 winners against Celtic in Hamilton on matchday five of Europe's elite competition.

It was a fifth consecutive defeat for the SWPL champions but Weir, who couldn't mark her visit home with a goal, was full of praise for Elena Sadiku's side.

"I watched Celtic through the qualifying process to get into the group stages, and I was buzzing for them," the 29-year-old said.

"I think it's so cool to have a Scottish team in the Champions League and I really wanted them in the draw. Then we got them, so it's great for Celtic as a club, a big Scottish club, but also for the women's game.

"It puts Scotland on the map by playing against some of the biggest names in Europe, so they've done so well to qualify and hopefully it's the start of Scottish teams doing well in the Champions League and getting into the group stages."

Weir could have done with a map as she admitted she faced "a few dead ends" when attempting to show her team-mates around Glasgow, but not even a wrong turn or two could shake her excitement at playing club football in Scotland.

"As a young kid growing up, I would have loved to come watch Celtic v Real Madrid, so to be part of it is amazing for me, my family and women's sport in Scotland."

Amy Canavan
BBC Sport Scotland at New Douglas Park

Image source, SNS

"If this doesn't give us more hunger, I don't know what will."

Head coach Elena Sadiku "can't wait" for Celtic to turn their full attention to domestic duties after their final Champions League group game next week.

In their debut campaign in the competition, the reigning SWPL champions have suffered five defeats out of five and finish up away to Twente on Tuesday.

And while Sadiku says Celtic will "go all in" in the Netherlands, the Swede is itching for her sole focus to be on matters in Scotland - where her side currently sit fourth with a game in hand - in order to be back among Europe's elite next season.

"There are two games left in December, but I can't wait until we come back in January and our focus is only domestically.

"I feel like if this [competing in the Champions League] is not going to give us more hunger to win the league again, I don't know what will because playing against these top teams, being in this competition, I know the girls have absolutely loved it.

"We've experienced something unique, nobody expected us to be here but look at us, we're competing with the top teams out there and I am so, so proud."

While the pride was pouring, their was a hint of frustration as Celtic yet again were handed a harsh lesson at the top level.

They faced just four shots on target, but conceded three goals. However, Sadiku said her "disappointment and frustration" at such a situation shows the growth of her team.

"I feel a proud coach if my players are frustrated at a loss to Real Madrid," she added.

"That just shows that we want more. As a coach, if you told me in January when I signed I'd be sitting here frustrated at a result like this, I don't even think that would be in my head."

Rangers head to the top of the SWPL as Celtic lose their penultimate UWCL game.

Hearts and Glasgow City played out a goalless draw with neither side able to find an effective route to goal meaning Rangers' 1-0 victory over Motherwell was enough to leapfrog City.

Meanwhile, Spartans held Partick Thistle to a 1-1 draw as they remained eighth and seventh, respectively.

Elsewhere, Celtic suffered their fifth consecutive defeat in the Women's Champions League as Signe Bruun's double set up a 3-0 victory for Real Madrid.

Have your say on the midweek action here., external

Amy Canavan
BBC Sport Scotland

Image source, SNS

Elena Sadiku had hoped the sub-zero temperatures would test Real Madrid, but the Spanish side looked right at home in Hamilton.

At times, Colombia international Linda Caicedo looked like she was gliding on ice. Scurrying with positivity and purpose down the left, the young superstar left Celya Barclais in a spin.

And that's just one of the many world-class talents and assets manager Alberto Toril has at his disposal.

While Caroline Weir was still here, there and everywhere, she was tightly marked by fellow Scotland international Shannon McGregor, who once more caught the eye in this competition.

As did Celtic as a whole, but only in glimpses. For their bright moments were quickly evaporated with swarms of Real Madrid attacks.

On matchday one against Twente, the takeaway was that small margins matter. The memo remains.

With a trip to the Netherlands to come next week, it would be harsh for a side who have had their sparks to sit on zero points.

But this level is harsh, and Celtic are learning that the hard way.

Image source, SNS

Celtic head coach Elena Sadiku hopes her side can build on the experiences of this year's Champions League.

The reigning SWPL champions have just one more European group stage game left this season after qualifying for the first time in their history.

The Glasgow side were defeated 3-0 by Real Madrid on Wednesday night.

"If you look at this game, Kelsey Daugherty doesn't make as many saves as last time," Sadiku told CelticTV, external.

"The goals we conceded were too easy. The first was a mistake from our build, the second we should defend that cross much better and the third was from a set play that I think we should control much better.

"We also created much better chances than we did in the last game. It's just frustrating because we should have been better in many parts of the game. Real Madrid deserved to win but we conceded two easy goals.

"The subs came on with great energy, they changed the game. That was really nice to see but I'm very disappointed we conceded that goal just before the subs.

"I think with the energy they brought Real Madrid would have been more under pressure.

"This campaign and the experience will give us knowledge of competing at this level.

"You can see how well the men are doing now [in the Champions League] but they also have the experience from before.

"It's a start, we're going to build from here."

Image source, SNS

Despite a difficult evening for her side, Shannon McGregor showed quality for Celtic and looked dangerous at times. The midfielder is proving to be a really good signing for Elena Sadiku's side.

Kheredine Idessane
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

Midfielder Shannon McGregor says playing in the Champions League is something she has "always dreamed of" and that Celtic have proved they're a good side against the "huge names" of Real Madrid and Chelsea.

Elena Sadiku's side, who have lost all four of their Group B games so far, face Real Madrid tonight at New Douglas Park in their final home outing.

"It doesn't feel real at times," McGregor, who joined Celtic from Hibs in the summer, said of lining up against some of the best players in Europe.

The 25-year-old is determined to help the Scottish champions earn a first point in their remaining two games, with a trip to FC Twente wrapping up their debut group-stage campaign.

"For all the hard work we've put in, I think we deserve something. I pray we get a point from one of these two games," she added.

The Scotland international, who has been deployed in a deeper role, feels she's learned a lot tactically in the matches so far.

"Also, learning to be brave on the ball when you're playing against these teams," she said.

"Don't panic, just try to be yourself, even if they are some of the best teams and players in the world. They're just human beings, so just do your best."

Kheredine Idessane
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Celtic head coach Elena Sadiku has been speaking to the media before her side face Real Madrid in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Here are the key lines from her news conference:

• On being nominated for coach of the year at the 2024 Fifa Best Awards, the 31-year-old says: "Don't let anyone tell you you can't do something because you're young and female."

• Sadiku says Champions League opponents Real Madrid will be welcomed to Scotland with "a big, cold hug", referencing the freezing conditions the match in Hamilton is likely to be played in and the fact Celtic have to use everything possible to their advantage.

• She wants "more than anything else" for her already-eliminated side to secure their first Champions League point either on Wednesday or in the final group match with FC Twente, as they "deserve it".

• The Swede is keen for her players to recognise that "what we have achieved is something special" in being the first Celtic women's team to play in the group stage.

• Sadiku wants to "create something unique with Celtic that hasn't been part of their history before" by making the club competitors at Champions League level as well as winning in Scotland.

• She adds: "You can't go from zero to 100. These things take time."

• Midfielder Natalie Ross will return to the Celtic squad and be available for selection against Real following the injury she picked up in the defeat to Rangers.

What impact will Celtic's Champions League group-stage involvement have on the club and Scottish women's football?

Scotland captain Rachel Corsie poses that question to Behind the Goals co-host Leanne Crichton as Celtic prepare for Wednesday's glamour game with Real Madrid.

Listen and subscribe to Behind the Goals podcast on BBC Sounds

Image source, SNS

Hearts manager Eva Olid says her side are ready for anyone in the Women's Scottish Cup draw after knocking out city rivals Hibernian to reach the last 16.

Georgia Timms scored the only goal in Sunday's Edinburgh derby to secure a 1-0 win for last season's beaten finalists.

The draw for the next round takes place on Monday at 19:00 GMT.

"It was a great win in a tough game," said Olid.

"We knew we were facing a tough opponent, they are very consistent and very solid most of the time.

"It's always nice to have your striker on the scoresheet, that means your team selection was accurate. But it was not only [Timms], there was hard work from all the girls.

"We know who we are and we know what we can do and we are ready to face every single team that is in this draw. We're just focusing on who we are facing next."

Meanwhile, Hibs boss Grant Scott said he is "very disappointed" to exit the cup.

"I don't think it was a great game but we cancelled each other out again," he added. "We are disappointed but not disappointed with the performance as such.

"The good thing about football is you don't get too long to wallow and I certainly won't let players do that, that's not my style."