Sugarman vows resilience after Wrexham's Champions League exit

Wrexham's Women's Champions League campaign ends in disappointment as manager Jenny Sugarman watches her Red Dragons eliminated after a 4-1 defeat to Riga FC on Saturday evening, confirming their exit from the first‑round qualification final and dashing any hope of progressing further.

The Red Dragons seized the initiative early, with Lili Jones' volley finding the net to give Wrexham a first‑half lead. The Women displayed confidence before Riga regrouped.

That early advantage suggested they could withstand Riga's pressure. However, the momentum shifted after the break.

Riga FC, the Latvian champions, responded with four second‑half goals, overturning the deficit and securing a 4-1 victory that ensured their progression to the second round of qualifying.

Sugarman said, “I thought for the first 45 minutes we were excellent. We came out with intent and a game plan to really nullify some of their threats.” She added that Riga’s number 11 Miyu Takahira was outstanding in the second half and turned the screw on Wrexham.

Sugarman guided Wrexham to their maiden league title in the 2025‑26 season and oversaw the club’s first European win by a Welsh side since 2019, a 4‑2 triumph over Armenian champions FC Pyunik at the Racecourse.

Riga FC will move on to the second round of the Women's Champions League qualifying, while Wrexham’s European campaign ends, leaving the Red Dragons to reflect on their progress.