Rangers make Women's Champions League debut

Glasgow City also enter and will host group games at Petershill Park

Rangers
Author: Gabriel AntoniazziPublished 18th Aug 2022

The Women's Champions League returns today with Rangers making their debut in the competition.

Glasgow City also take part, having become a fixture in the tournament over the past two decades, and are hosting a group of games.

The two sides face tough tasks in their first qualifying round.

Rangers are in Greece as they face Hungarian side Ferencvaros in the semi-final, with either hosts PAOK or Swansea City waiting in Sunday's final.

The Gers were crowned SWPL champions for the first ever time last season, meaning they also qualified for the UWCL.

Manager Malky Thomson hopes to take their strong form forward and said: "It would be monumental if we managed to progress.

"We are confident in our ability to try and progress.

"It's going to be difficult because the opposition have more experience in the Champions League but we are confident enough because at Rangers you must embrace these challenges that are put in front of you."

The Gers glory meant Glasgow City lost their domestic crown for the first time in 14 years, but a second placed finish ensured progression to the UWCL.

They may not be the force they once were but they do have a lot of pedigree in Europe, reaching the quarter-final as recently as 2020.

Eileen Gleeson's side are hosting their group at Petershill Park in Glasgow.

They face Roma, a side filled with Italy internationals, on Thursday.

Paris FC and Servette are the other two teams playing in Scotland and the winners will meet in Sunday's final.

New City signing and New Zealand defender Meikayla Moore says the whole team are raring to go: "I'm buzzing and can't wait to get started.

"Playing Champions League is one of the reasons I wanted to come here.

"I've heard very, very good things about night games at Petershill.

"The fans will be massive and we hope they turn out in the numbers again.

"Hopefully we can hear them and get as many people down as possible."

City are offering discounts to season ticket holders and engaging with the local community to try and get the stands filled.

This summer has seen a massive rise in interest in women's football, given the success of Euro 2022.

UEFA hope to capitalise on this with the return of their flagship competition.

The winning team from each of the 15 first round qualifying groups will progress to round two, which takes place in September.

The final will take place at the Phillips Stadion, home of PSV Eindhoven, on June 3 2023.