From the 2025 season, Gintra are preparing for an important new opportunity: competing not only in the UEFA Women's Champions League but also in the newly established UEFA Women's Europa League. It is a special chance to represent Lithuania and Šiauliai internationally, opening a new chapter for the club and women's football in Lithuania and Europe.
A new UEFA competition format
According to the official UEFA Champions League website, the 2025/26 season brings significant changes to women's club competitions. A second-tier tournament, the UEFA Women's Europa League, has been created to give national champions more opportunities to compete internationally.
Under the new format, Gintra enter Champions League qualifying as usual. If they fail to reach the group stage, they can continue in the UEFA Women's Europa League.
Competition stages and dates relevant to Gintra:
- UEFA Women's Champions League
- First qualifying round The mini-tournament semi-finals take place on 30 July 2025, followed by the finals and third-place matches on 2 August.
- Second qualifying round The mini-tournament semi-finals are scheduled for 27 August, with finals and third-place matches on 30 August.
- Third qualifying round This will be played over two legs: the first on 11 September and the return on 18 September.
Successful qualification would take Gintra into the group stage, beginning on 7–8 October. If they do not reach the Champions League group stage, they would continue in the UEFA Women's Europa League. Its first-round opening legs are scheduled for 10–11 September, with return fixtures on 17–18 September.
This historic opportunity is a major step forward for Gintra and Lithuanian women's football. Having already begun preparations, the club approach the new challenges with ambition. Top-level international matches could take place in Šiauliai, giving residents and visitors an excellent chance to watch.
Follow the news and don't miss your chance to support the Lithuanian champions on the road to more victories.