UEFA Women's Champions League qualifying began in Šiauliai on Wednesday. In the semi-final, Lithuanian champions Gintra defeated Welsh champions Cardiff City 2:0 (1–0 at half-time) to advance to the qualifying final.
In Group 8's first semi-final, Glasgow City beat Irish champions Shelbourne 2–0 and will contest Saturday's place in the main tournament.
The decisive Gintra–Glasgow City match takes place at Šiauliai Central Stadium on 9 September at 18:00.
Lineup: A. Schroeder, A. Mikutaitė (C), N. Oronoz, A. Sunday, K. O'Brien, R. Diodati, M. Galkina, E. Šupelytė, S. Kashima (65' min. A. Pauletto) , J. Sunday (90' min. L. Kubiliūtė), J. Bassey (90' min. T. Romanovskaja).
Goals:
„Gintra“: J. Bassey (20', 48') – 2.
The hosts began more actively. Juliet Sunday and Seina Kashima troubled the defence on the flanks, while Ruby Diodati had the clearest chance: her long-range shot struck the post and deflected off the goalkeeper for a corner.
Gintra soon took the lead. Kashima won a penalty, and Juliet Bassey converted in the 20th minute for 1–0.
The Welsh goal came under threat again in the 23rd minute. Gintra reached a set-piece delivery first and struck the crossbar but not the net.
Neither team created further significant chances before the interval, which arrived with Gintra leading 1–0.
The yellow-and-blacks retained the initiative after the break, and Bassey completed her brace in the 49th minute to make it 2–0.
A few minutes later, Bassey had another one-on-one chance to settle the match, but the goalkeeper saved this time.
No further goals followed, and Gintra celebrated a convincing victory.
Match highlights:
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