Lithuanian champions Gintra of Šiauliai continue their European journey in the first UEFA Women's Europa Cup qualifying round. Tuesday's draw in Switzerland paired Gintra with one of the Austrian league's leading sides, SK Sturm Graz.
Gintra secured their place in this year's UEFA Women's Europa Cup after competing in Group 7 of the second UEFA Champions League qualifying round in Køge, Denmark. Artūr Sikorskij's team finished third in the group and earned the right to continue in Europa Cup qualifying.
The first leg is scheduled away on 26 August, with the return in Šiauliai on 2 September. The qualifying round is played home and away, so progression will be decided over two matches.
Last year, Gintra made their debut in the inaugural UEFA Women's Europa Cup. They faced the strong Danish club FC Nordsjælland of Farum in the second qualifying round. Although Gintra won at home, the Danes were stronger in the return leg and ended the Šiauliai side's campaign.
Club Director Mantas Radavičius emphasised that the team are eagerly awaiting the new challenge.
'Every match in a UEFA competition is special, so an interesting, intense period and a serious challenge await. We will have two matches, one in our own city. We look forward to our supporters backing us at the stadium: playing in Šiauliai with our home fans is a wonderful experience. We know every team at this stage is of a high standard. Sturm have deep football traditions in Austria and are among the favourites in their domestic championship. Nevertheless, our objective remains the same: to fight for a place in the next round,' said Gintra Director Mantas Radavičius.
Tickets for the match in Šiauliai will be sold through Ticketmarket. Sales will be announced once the home match date and kick-off time are confirmed.
