Scottish Women's Football

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."

Charlotte Cohen
BBC Sport Scotland

Image source, Colin Poultney/SWPL

If this tie were taking place last season, you'd be forgiven for thinking it was the most likely place for an upset.

Glasgow City had their fair share of ups and downs last season while Partick Thistle were punching well above their part-time weight.

Although previous scorelines wouldn't have you believe it, the two Petershill Park teams have looked close in their meetings over the years.

But Glasgow City look a force to be reckoned with this term.

They're top of the SWPL, one point clear of Rangers in second and four clear of Hearts in third, plus they've scored 59 goals and only conceded four - no other team has conceded fewer.

Leanne Ross' side have won five of their last six league games - the best record in the division.

Thistle on the other hand haven't enjoyed the greatest start to the new season. They've picked up just one victory in their last six and have only scored 18 goals - 15 fewer than Motherwell above them.

But Brian Graham's team tasted cup success last season, making it to the final of the SWPL Cup and even equalising against Rangers before ultimately going on to lose 4-1.

Image source, Malcolm Mackenzie/SWPL

Sunday's Scottish Cup match between Edinburgh rivals Hibs and Hearts will be their third meeting of the season and, as usual, it's totally unpredictable.

The first match between the pair this season was a resounding 4-0 win for Hearts at Easter Road - a wake up call for Grant Scott's side who are hoping to close in on their rivals this season.

That victory suggested the second meeting at Tynecastle would end up in another Hearts' win.

Enter Rosie Livingstone. The youngster came on in the 60th minute and marked her return from injury with a stunning goal with 10 minutes to play which sealed all three points for Hibs.

Hearts and Hibs are separated by three points in the league table although the former have scored more, won more games and conceded fewer goals.

In terms of shots on target (including goals), Hearts have only had one more - 114 compared to Hibs' 112. In defence, Hearts have only conceded seven goals from 105 shots conceded while Hibs have conceded 13 from 102 shots faced.

Up top, Hibs' strikers Eilidh Adams and Kathleen McGovern have scored 26 goals between them while Bayley Hutchison and Georgia Timms have netted 14 together.

But, Eva Olid's side have scored significantly more goals from midfield and clearly have a threat all over the pitch, while Hibs' threat is more focused in attacking areas.

Last season, Hearts lost out in the final of the competition to Rangers and will be eager to get back to that place and go one better. While Hibs have lifted the trophy eight times in their history but not since 2017.

The next step in the development of both teams is to add some silverware to the trophy cabinet but only one of them will go a step closer on Sunday.

Image source, SNS

Spartans forward Hannah Jordan has won the SWPL player of the month award after scoring all four of her team's goals in November.

The 20-year-old, who has eight goals in 15 appearances this season, netted a hat-trick against Montrose and the equaliser in a draw with Queen's Park as Spartans picked up four points from a possible nine.

Jack Beesley's side are eighth in the table, six points clear of the relegation zone.

Hamilton's Josephine Giard won the SWPL 2 award for the second time this season. The forward scored in all three games - reaching the 50-goal mark for the club - to help Accies sit eight points clear at the top.

We asked for your thoughts on Scotland's play-off defeat to Finland.

Here's what some of you had to say:

Margaret: These players do not deserve to be at the finals of any tournament. Sack the manager. Bring in some young players and go again for the next tournament.

Graham: Sad truth is they are simply not good enough, the so called star players did not perform and Finland over the two games deserved to win and they are bang average team so what does that say about Scotland?

Lisa: We have gone backwards under Pedro Martinez Losa, women's football has improved a lot and we haven't kept up. Tactics were questionable and unless we're against smaller teams, he cannot get the best out of the quality players. We didn't get any luck tonight but it's a much bigger problem than luck.

Gordon: Team let down badly by Caroline Weir in both games against Finland. Miles off the pace and deliveries were shocking. Reputation shouldn't guarantee anyone a place and Erin Cuthbert playing too deep. Manager should have a long hard look at himself.

Danny: Another very poor performance, with our so-called stars failing to turn up again. The truth is we have little quality in the team. At least we will now get rid of the manager, three years too late in my view. He is totally incapable of getting the best out of even average players.

Grant: Poor first leg, absolutely no aggression and a bit unlucky maybe, but tactically I didn't get it after going a goal down. To me the manager can't progress the team any further, change is needed.

Graham: Surely now it is the time for a change of coach. Finland are not an amazing team but they controlled this tie and qualified comfortably. They looked fitter and better drilled. Certain players "cannot miss" this tournament apparently. Well, they are missing it, and since the players can't be changed, it's the coach who needs to. We need fresh ideas.

Mary: Big names did not turn up. Same as their performance at Easter Road last week.