Can Wrexham make more UEFA Women’s Champions League history against Riga?

Can Wrexham become the first-ever Welsh Premier Women’s League side to progress a round in Europe on Saturday night?

That is the enticing prospect facing Jenny Sugarman’s side when they take on Latvian team Riga in the UEFA Women’s Champions League first qualifying round final at The Racecourse on Saturday 25 July (KO 18:00). 

The Red Dragons delivered a superb performance on their European debut in the midweek semi-final, triumphing 4-2 over FC Pyunik of Armenia as Katie Barker, Lili Jones, Ava Suckley and new signing Natasha Thomas all got on the scoresheet. 

In doing so, Wrexham ended a seven-year wait for a victory for a Welsh side in Europe and they will be targeting more history on Saturday as they will aim to become the first ever Genero Adran Premier team to progress to the second qualifying round of the UEFA Women’s Champions League. 

Manager Sugarman issued a rallying crying to the club’s supporters following the win over Pyunik, urging the Wrexham public to play their part on Saturday night. 

“If we could get more than one stand filled that would mean so much”, the head coach said. “Our opposition today [Pyunik], I’m sure they will not have played in front of a crowd like that before. It could potentially be the same for Riga. It’s not just about giving our players that extra push, but it’s about taking something away from the opposition.  

“Come and see history made on Saturday again, get behind the team, and you will be entertained.” 

Sugarman is unlikely to make too many changes from Wednesday following a number of standout performances, but will hope Katie Barker is fit after the forward appeared to pick up a knock towards the end of the game. Captain Jodie Bartle could only manage just over an hour after a pre-season niggle, but will be eager to be available for such a huge encounter. 

Opponents Riga progressed to the first qualifying round final courtesy of a 4-1 win over Northern Irish side Glentoran at The Racecourse earlier on Wednesday, with Kumba Zainab Brima starring with a brace. 

The Latvians reached this stage last year – their UEFA Women’s Champions League debut – before suffering a 2-1 defeat to Racing Union of Luxembourg in the final, meaning they are also aiming to reach the second qualifying round for the first time. 

Riga stormed to their domestic league title in the 2025 season by winning all 24 matches and scoring 180 goals, while that form has continued into the 2026 campaign as they have won all 11 games so far and netted 90 goals. They are no doubt impressive numbers, but Wrexham should have no fear after triumphing over a Pyunik side with a similarly faultless record in Armenia’s top-flight last season. 

There are multiple Latvian internationals in Riga’s squad, but there were five Japanese natives in their starting XI on Wednesday – with midfield duo Shiori Kato and Minami Oi particularly impressing this term. The aforementioned Kumba Zainab Brima is certainly one to watch out for, with 20 goals and six assists in eight league games this season. 

ADRAN PREMIER RECORD IN EUROPE

MATCHES 41

WINS 7

DRAWS 1

LOSSES 33

CLUB-BY-CLUB

Cardiff Met: Played 18 Won 4 Drawn 1 Lost 13

Swansea City: Played 14 Won 2 Lost 12

Wrexham: Played 1 Won 1 

Cardiff City: Played 8 Lost 8