Scottish Women's Football

Amy Canavan
BBC Sport Scotland at Celtic Park

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Head coach Elena Sadiku spoke to the media before Celtic's Champions League match against Chelsea on Wednesday.

Here are the key things she said:

• Sadiku "doesn't think we're going to have a bigger test than this" when her side face the Women's Super League champions.

• The head coach has "huge respect" for Chelsea as a team and is a real admirer of opposite number Sonia Bompastor adding, "how she's perceived as a coach is how I want to be perceived".

• She believes Celtic have "grown in the competition" when you look at the differences between Twente on matchday one and Real Madrid on matchday two: "Against Real Madrid we were confident enough to play, we got pressure on, we love the pressure and we just showed no fear in what we want to do."

• Sadiku says Caitlin Hayes, who missed the last two games, has been "resting", despite speculation the defender had been suspended by the club.

• The SWPL champions will play at Celtic Park for the first time in the Champions League and when asked about attendance, Sadiku says: "If you're a Celtic fan, you should support the big history the club are creating."

• Defender Hana Kerner and forward Kit Loferski are the only two absentees.

Scotland forward Erin Cuthbert says Celtic have "speedy, tricky players" who can cause her Chelsea side problems in a "tough" Champions League game between the sides on Wednesday night.

Hear more from Cuthbert on the Behind the Goals podcast

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Boroughmuir Thistle head coach Andy Enwood: "I want to credit the players, I'm really happy with what they did. They've been working on a new shape the last few weeks, so to implement that against a SWPL 1 team, in the manner they did, I'm really happy.

"We ran out of steam a bit at the end and we had to go chasing a bit, but the first half was very comfortable. We were dangerous on the break, and on top of our goal we had a few more opportunities we could have taken."

Aberdeen head coach Scott Booth: "It was as challenging as we expected. They’re a strong side, and they caused us problems, catching us off guard early in the game. It was a disappointing goal for us to concede, but we managed to get back into the game.

"In the first half, we didn’t trouble them too much, and I had a few words with the players at half-time. I felt we were a bit passive, especially in possession. We needed to assert ourselves more and show greater authority in the game.

"The response in the second half was excellent. The players deserve credit for coming from behind, especially after the last week they’ve had. It hasn’t been easy for them. It would have been easy to let their heads drop, especially given the physical toll of playing two tough games in one week. But they rallied, and even though we got that first goal, we continued to push for more."

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Partick Thistle manager Brian Graham: "With the highs of last year, getting to the final, you want that again. We're well in the game at half time, but if you look at the second half you saw how powerful and strong Hibs are this season.

"Look at their firepower. Kathleen McGovern scoring goals, Eilidh Adams to come on. You've got really good technical players and their quality shone through at the end and that's what we're lacking in our team.

"We're striving to be that. We worked extremely hard for each other but you can't lose three goals in eight minutes. That's very frustrating on our part."

Hibernian head coach Grant Scott: "We know it's a difficult place to come and a difficult opponent, we have a lot of respect for Thistle. It's always sweet to win and we're delighted as a group.

"We started the game really well, looked like we were on it and then we lost our way for 10 or 15 minuted and offered Thistle momentum. We had to weather that. We wanted the girls to settle down in the second half.

"It was similar to last week. We wanted to be better at the basic things. It doesn't have to be flash. We did that second half and it gave us a platform."

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Rangers head coach Jo Potter: "I’m really pleased with the performance. You can see in the some of the goals that we scored were great passages of play. I said before the game that I wanted to see some bits and pieces from training and they definitely did that. I was pleased at full-time.

"The start that we had is so important to us. I think when you start games like that then it gives you the confidence and freedom to play a certain way and relax into the game.

"We could have easily come off it in the second half with the scoreline as it was, but we didn’t and we kept pushing. We did really well to score another three goals in the second half.

"We keep saying a hat-trick for Wilko, don’t we? I think she’s been disappointed that she’s not been scoring more in the last couple of weeks because she sets such high standards for herself.

"She scores or assists in nearly every single game. It’s a tremendous amount of goals for the middle of November. Hopefully she can carry it on."

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Celtic head coach Elena Sadiku: "Right now, I'm buzzing. I feel very, very proud of the girls and the team effort tonight. We know we can play better, but how we fought as a team and the chances we created - even without playing the best football - and how we fought for each other - I'm so proud.

"Glasgow City, credit to them, they're a great team. But the statement tonight was 'it doesn't matter what kind of busy schedule we have', we know we have our eyes on the goal and that's being as successful as possible.

"How the team showed up tonight, how they executed the game plan, coming into the second half and extra time with that energy, we dominated that."

Glasgow City head coach Leanne Ross: "I don't want to sound like a sore loser, but it was a terrible game to watch. Neither team was at their best and it was destined to go to extra-time and penalties. We didn't deserve to win today.

"Somebody has to score the winner, someone has to miss. We need to make sure the players bounce back next week when the league comes back around."

Were you at any of the weekend's SWPL Cup games or following the action from home? Either way, we want your thoughts on the action.

Have your say, external.

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Two penalty shoot-out saves from Celtic goalkeeper Kelsey Daugherty took Elena Sadiku's side into the SWPL Cup semi-finals after a goalless 120 minutes against Glasgow City.

Celtic inflicted City's only league defeat this season in August and only a string of saves from City keeper Lee Gibson kept them from producing a repeat result in 90 minutes at New Douglas Park.

However, after extra-time failed to produce a winner, it was her opposite number who came to the fore as Celtic won the shoot-out 4-3.

In Sunday's other quarter-finals, a Kathleen McGovern hat-trick helped Hibs beat Partick Thistle 4-1, while Aberdeen secured their first win under head coach Scott Booth with a 3-1 victory against Boroughmuir Thistle.

Defending champions Rangers progressed to the last four on Saturday with an 8-1 win over Motherwell.

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Rangers cruised into the semi-finals of the SWPL Cup with a dominant 8-1 win over Motherwell at K-Park.

Goals from Leah Eddie, Charlie Devlin and Rio Hardy put Rangers three goals to the good, before Amy Sharkey pulled one back for Motherwell.

However, two goals before the break from the prolific Katie Wilkinson put Rangers in total control at half-time, and she would go on to complete her hat-trick on 73 minutes with a free-kick.

Liv McLoughlin and Kirsty Howat added further gloss to the scoreline late on for the defending champions.

In Sunday's quarter-final fixtures, Boroughmuir Thistle host Aberdeen, Hibernian face Partick Thistle and Celtic take on Glasgow City live on BBC Alba.

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It's the return of the League Cup as we head into the quarter-final stage, with one of the 'big three' certain to be eliminated.

That's because Celtic play host to Glasgow City, in what we've deemed to be the tie of the round - and it's also live on BBC Alba from 16:00 on Sunday.

It's a repeat of the final in 2021 - which Celtic won 1-0 thanks to a Caitlin Hayes goal - and a repeat of last year's quarter-finals - which Celtic won 3-0.

In the league, things have been a little different this year. City sit top of the SWPL table, but are only a point ahead of Rangers and Hearts.

Celtic meanwhile, have had to deal with the complication of European group stage football for the very first time and that will be in head coach Elena Sadiku's thinking again, with Chelsea visiting Celtic Park next Wednesday.

This is the start of a very tough run for Sadiku's side. After Chelsea, they host Rangers in a pivotal SWPL clash before visiting Stamford Bridge in more Champions League action.

Perhaps that will affect Sadiku's squad selection, but she can rely on the fact her side have had the best of City in recent encounters. They've won six of the last 10 games, with City only victorious twice.

City are also looking for their first League Cup triumph since 2015 - an almost 10-year wait for a trophy they've won six times in their history.

The other quarter-finals are as follows:

Partick Thistle v Hibernian

Motherwell v Rangers

Boroughmuir Thistle v Aberdeen

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Hearts' 16-year-old defender Erin Husband has won the SWPL player of the month award for October.

Husband has played 11 games this season - her first full campaign - and helped Eva Olid's side to a strong start where they sit third, just a point off the top.

The teenager started all of Hearts' October games as they won three out of three, including a 1-0 victory over defending champpions Celtic.

Kilmarnock's Abby Robinson won the SWPL 2 player of the month award after the midfielder scored twice and provided an assist in her side's three wins in October.

Former Scotland goalkeeper Gemma Fay has being drawn with "tasty opponents" Germany, Netherlands and Austria in Nations League A is a difficult draw but "good challenge" for Pedro Martinez Losa's side.

Amy Canavan
BBC Sport Scotland

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Back among the heavyweights, Scotland have been drawn with a couple of big hitters on their return to Nations League A.

But with a spot at next summer's European Championships still in their sights, it's the sort of sides - Germany and Netherlands as well as Austria - the Scots will want to wrestle with.

In the last international window, when Scotland were competing in crucial play-offs, Germany were tormenting England in a friendly.

There wasn't many things friendly about it, certainly not the way in which the Germans rushed into a 3-0 lead and exposed England's weaknesses in defence.

All that sounds incredibly daunting given that fewer than 12 months ago, England ripped Scotland apart and annihilated them 6-0.

However, Sarina Weigman's side shed light on the Germans' weakness too, also in defence, so Scotland's on-form attack will need to remain just that come spring next year.

It doesn't get any easier with Netherlands, and the memories from back-to-back defeats to the Dutch last year are still fresh in the mind.

Particularly in Nijmegen, the classy Dutch were commanding and a level above. Remember, though, that was without any of Sam Kerr, Erin Cuthbert and Caroline Weir in the midfield.

Narrowing the gap from last year would be marked improvement against Andries Jonker's side, while giving the Germans a scare would be a shout. But the picking up of points will be looked to be done against Austria.

Two years ago, Scotland hosted Austria in the World Cup play-off semi-final. They were far from their best but managed to sneak through in extremely un-Scottish fashion, scoring a late winner.

Scotland have improved since then. Pedro Martinez Losa believes it, his players believe it, and the run of results they've racked up recently proves it.

Tougher tests than the ones they've faced this year await, but should Scotland get the job done against Finland in the coming weeks and book their spot in next summer's Euros, these Nations League games will act as the starter before the main meal in Switzerland.

Gully Singh
BBC Sport Scotland

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Pedro Martinez Losa believes Scotland's 2025 Nations League group is the "second most difficult", but says his side "are ready to go" in the top tier again.

The Scots were promoted back to League A following an unbeaten Euro qualifying campaign this year.

They finished bottom of Group A1 in 2023 after drawing twice with Belgium and losing home and away to England and Netherlands.

Martinez Losa's side face the Dutch again, as well as Germany and Austria, with the group stage running from February to early June.

"We're very pleased to come back to League A," the head coach told BBC Scotland.

"Teams like Netherlands you always in theory want to avoid, but at the end you have to play against some of them.

"I don't think we got the worst - the most difficult group has England and Spain - but probably the second most difficult.

"In terms of having to compete against Germany and Netherlands, we already know them well and also Austria is a very competitive team, so I'm excited in one part.

"We’re ready to go and celebrate the women's game with the fans and challenge ourselves, which is what it is about, but also respecting the opponent and thinking that it's going to be difficult for us. But we will be prepared."

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"There's no perfect job in football, but looking at this just now, it's as close to perfect as it could be."

It's safe to say Leanne Crichton is buzzing about returning home to Glasgow City.

The former midfielder enjoyed three highly successful spells at Petershill Park and will return as assistant coach to former team-mate, Leanne Ross.

"It's been a bit of a whirlwind, the last couple of days my phone has been busy," Crichton said on the BBC's Behind the Goals podcast.

"Folk that are City daft are buzzing that a former player is coming back.

"That seems to be the vibe and it's just one of these things that caught me off guard. My mind was blown."

After a few years away from the City sphere, Crichton has perhaps forgot the impact she had on those of a City persuasion.

She's learning a few things on her return, though, none more so than the vast improvements the club have made in the three years since she left.

"It feels like a new club," she added. "I totally underestimated how different it was, the facilities and the resources.

"I never realised the staffing structure was as extensive as it is, everything that Glasgow City have got is what most of the top-flight men's sides in Scotland are operating with, it's probably better than some.

"From the outside looking in, people might think it's a gamble or a bit risky, but it's going to be unbelievable."

Everything is falling into place for new mum Crichton who describes the switch as a "sliding doors moment".

"One of the reasons I left Glasgow City was to go and make mistakes," she said.

"Go and coach and learn and develop and sell myself as a coach in a different environment, not somewhere I was protected and where I had a status as a former player having achieved so much.

"It is complete a sliding doors moment, it's such a crossroads with my work-life balance for what that looked like for me and my family. There's no perfect job in football, but looking at this just now, it's as close to perfect as it could be."

You can listen and subscribe to the Behind the Goals podcast with Rachel and Leanne here.

Leanne Crichton and Rachel Corsie discuss Leanne's return to Glasgow City as Leanne Ross' assistant coach on Behind the Goals.

Jane Lewis
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Lee Gibson (Glasgow City): It might not have been her busiest afternoon, but at 2-0 she saved a Thistle effort which, if it had gone in, could have put a different perspective on the match.

Stacey Papadopoulous (Hibs): Had a lot of joy breaking forward from the back and her deliveries set up two goals. She was a real threat down the flank.

Caitlin Hayes (Celtic): A steady and calming influence at the back for Celtic. Was happy venturing forward against Motherwell too.

Emma Lawton (Celtic): She’s stepped up a level with ease and is fast becoming a key player for Celtic. She’s so versatile, switching into the back three so naturally against Motherwell, and once again was an attacking threat with a goal and an assist.

Emma Brownlie (Hearts): As well dealing with her defensive duties, she’s also full of intent to get forward setting up attacks. Two assists this weekend and it could have been more.

Lisa Evans (Glasgow City): After a brilliant performance for her country midweek, she brought that to club level this weekend. Her experience is vital for City, and that was evident this weekend on and off the ball.

Kirsty Maclean (Rangers): Back in the Rangers team after injury and scored her first goals of the season for her side. Her second strike was a beauty from distance as she looped the ball in off the crossbar.

Lisa Robertson (Hearts): So influential for Hearts, and this weekend she among the goals too. She showed great technique to open the scoring for her side and she kept her cool to score from the penalty spot too.

Charlie Devlin (Rangers): Looks to be finding her feet at Rangers after her September move. Her hat-trick of goals, her first for the club, helped Rangers bounce back from their league slip up last time out. A good afternoon capped off with two assists as well.

Eilidh Adams (Hibs): Scored two quick fire goals, firstly putting Hibs in front then making the lead more commfortable. She’s in terrific form - that’s now 17 goals in 13 games.

Brenna Lovera (Glasgow City): Her return to form from a long-term injury has been impressive. She was back among the goals again this weekend as she helped City maintain their unbeaten streak. Aside from scoring she also tracked back when she had to halt Thistle in their tracks.