Wrexham take the lead but lose out to superior Riga side in Champions League

Lili Jones celebrates firing Wrexham ahead. Picture: FAW

UEFA WOMEN’S CHAMPIONS LEAGUE MINI-TOURNAMENT FINAL

Wrexham 1 (L Jones 8)
Riga 4 (Oi 50, Brima 53, Juana 64, Kato 79)

ATTENDANCE: 1192

After leading at half time and finding themselves on course to become the first-ever Adran Premier side to progress a round in Europe, Wrexham were outclassed in the second period by a strong Riga outfit at the Racecourse.

The Red Dragons had already made history by becoming the first North Wales women’s team to play and win in the Champions League after Wednesday’s 4-2 success against Armenians Pyunik earned Wales a first victory in Europe for seven years.

At half time, optimism was high of another amazing achievement for the Adran Premier champions, but overall the better side won on the night.

Wrexham started well and took an eighth-minute lead when a Lydia Sallaway free kick into the box from the left was only cleared as far as Lili Jones, whose instinctive volley flew into the top corner.

Riga rallied, but Wrexham were defending superbly. Dangerous striker Kumbra Brima was through on goal but her tame low shot failed to test Liz Craven. Nikola Preijere also went close when her miskick from a few yards out missed by inches.

Wrexham continued to threaten when able, Faye Knox’s curling effort forcing a fine save from Aleksandra Torogsova.

Ava Suckley then put in a great ball from the right, but Natalie Thomas under pressure blazed over.

Brima had a big chance at the back post in added time, but her hooked effort was well cleared by Thomas.

HALF-TIME: 1-0

Riga were a different proposition in the second half as Wrexham visibly tired and struggled to put their passes together.

Two goals in three minutes after 50 and 53 respectively turned the tide firmly in the Latvians’ favour.

Brima and Shiori Kato combined well on the right before the latter’s cross was headed in firmly by Minami Oi.

Soon after a sublime pass from Preijere released Brima to finish calmly for 2-1.

Wrexham were unsettled and it was little surprise when in the 64th minute Wakana Mitami drilled in low from the left and sub Hannah Juana applied the finish.

A fourth goal on 79 from Kato only underlined Riga’s overall superiority.

However, Wrexham can look back with great pride on their first European adventure. History made, plus more positive steps forward for Jenny Sugarman’s stars as they look ahead to defending their league title in 2026-27.