Wrexham's debut spark ignites Women Champions League win

Wrexham opened their Women Champions League debut at the Racecourse with a 4‑2 victory over Armenian champions FC Pyunik, thanks to Lili Jones' deflected right‑footed strike five minutes after the interval that gave the hosts the lead. The goal shifted momentum and set the tone for the rest of the match.

Armenian champions FC Pyunik took the early initiative in the first half. Twelve minutes in, Susanna Badalya capitalised on a poor clearance from Wrexham keeper Liz Craven, firing from outside the penalty area to put Pyunik ahead. The goal gave the visitors a brief lead before the hosts responded.

Wrexham equalised quickly when Faye Knox surged down the left and delivered a cross that Katie Barker met with a precise finish. Barker, a former Newcastle United striker, restored parity for the home side. She later saw a second effort saved by Pyunik goalkeeper Amber Lockwood.

The second half opened with Lili Jones' deflected right‑footed strike from the edge of the area five minutes after the break, curling into the top corner and giving Wrexham the lead. Six minutes later, a fumble by Amber Lockwood allowed Ava Suckley to tap home from close range, extending the advantage.

Pyunik kept hope alive when Luiza Ghazaryan unleashed a powerful shot that left Liz Craven with no chance. Later, Faye Knox missed a clear chance for a fourth goal, but new signing Natasha Thomas sealed the historic victory in the dying stages, even striking the bar in added time.

The 4‑2 win marked Wrexham’s European debut after clinching the Adran Premier last season and was the first Champions League match win for a Welsh side since Cardiff Met in 2019‑20. Jenny Sugarman’s side now advance to the first‑qualifying‑round final, where they will face Riga of Estonia.