Celts Fall Short in UWCL Opener Against FC Twente

Celtic FC Women’s journey in the UEFA Women’s Champions League (UWCL) got off to a disappointing start as they were defeated 2-0 by FC Twente in their opening match of the 2024-25 season.

The Dutch side proved to be a step ahead in both tactics and execution, leaving Celtic with plenty to reflect on as they seek to recover in the competition.

The first half saw both teams looking to assert themselves, with Celtic defending resolutely against a dominant FC Twente attack.

The visitors, who were ranked higher in the European standings, displayed their technical superiority from the get-go, maintaining possession and pressing high up the pitch. Despite Celtic’s best efforts to contain their opponents, FC Twente found the breakthrough in the 37th minute.

A well-placed cross into the box found the head of striker Fenna Kalma, who powered the ball past Celtic goalkeeper, Megan Cunningham, to put the Dutch side ahead.

Celtic had their chances to equalize, with Japanese forward Hinata Miyazawa showing glimpses of her ability to create opportunities.

However, FC Twente’s defensive line remained solid, closing down space quickly and limiting the Celts’ offensive output.

Celtic’s best effort came in the 50th minute, when a close-range effort from midfielder Sarah Ewens was brilliantly saved by Twente’s goalkeeper, Daphne van Domselaar.

As the match progressed, FC Twente continued to dominate, controlling the tempo and forcing Celtic to chase the game. Celtic, while showing resilience in their defensive play, struggled to find a consistent rhythm in attack.

The Dutch side eventually doubled their lead in the 68th minute with a precise strike from midfielder Zera Hulswit, sealing the victory for FC Twente.

Despite the defeat, Celtic can take some positives from the encounter, particularly in their defensive organization in the first half. However, they will need to improve their attacking play and creativity if they hope to compete in the competitive group stage of the UWCL.

The result leaves Celtic with a steep hill to climb in their group, with tougher fixtures ahead against more high-quality teams. Head coach Fran Alonso will need to rally his squad, focusing on building cohesion and tactical discipline, as Celtic aim to bounce back in their upcoming fixtures.

As for FC Twente, the victory sets them on a strong path in the tournament, with their clinical play and sharp execution standing out as key factors in their success.

The team will look to build on this momentum as they seek to progress further in the prestigious competition.