Wrexham Women win Champions League debut 4-2 over FC Pyunik

Image caption: Lili Jones celebrates after scoring Wrexham's second goal

By Dylan Griffiths BBC Sport Wales, at Racecourse Ground, Wrexham

Wrexham celebrated their Women's Champions League debut with a thrilling 4-2 victory against FC Pyunik in the first qualifying round semi-final at the Racecourse.

Jenny Sugarman's side will face Riga of Estonia — who earlier beat Glentoran 4-1 — in Saturday's first qualifying round final.

Wrexham were making their European debut after winning the Adran Premier for the first time in their history last season. Their victory was the first time a team from Wales had won a game in the Champions League since Cardiff Met in the 2019-20 season.

Match Summary

• 12' — The Armenian champions took the lead when Susanna Badalya capitalised on a poor clearance from Wrexham goalkeeper Liz Craven, firing home from outside the penalty box.
• Instant response — A strong run from Faye Knox down the left and her cross was met perfectly by Katie Barker, settling the home side's nerves.
• First half — Barker, the former Newcastle United striker, came close to scoring a second goal but her effort was saved by Pyunik goalkeeper Amber Lockwood.
• 50' — Wrexham took the lead five minutes after the break when Lili Jones' right-footed shot from the edge of the penalty area took a slight deflection and sailed into the top corner.
• 62' — Lockwood fumbled Lili Jones' shot and Ava Suckley pounced to tap home from close range, giving Wrexham a 3-1 lead.
• Pyunik fightback — Luiza Ghazaryan's powerful shot gave Craven no chance, keeping the Armenian side in the game.
• Late drama — Wrexham winger Knox missed a great chance to score a fourth goal, but new signing Natasha Thomas sealed a historic victory in the dying stages. She also struck the bar in added time.

Related Topics

• Wrexham
• Women's Football
• Cymru Premier
• Welsh Football