"Athlone aims for legendary European triumph"
In the heart of Ireland, Athlone Town's women's football team has made history by advancing to the second qualifying round of the UEFA Women's Champions League. This achievement marks the first time a League of Ireland women's side has reached this stage since Raheny United in 2014-15.
Athlone Town, the reigning SSE Airtricity Women's Premier Division champions, faced off against ZNK Agram, Croatia's women's champion club, in the Round 1 Qualifier. The game took place at the Athlone Town Stadium at 4pm, with over 1900 supporters watching the match online due to COVID-19 restrictions.
The first half was a dominant performance by Athlone Town, with two direct corner goals (Olimpico goals) by Madison Gibson and a close-range finish by Hannah Waesch securing a 3-0 lead for the Irish team. This victory ensured Athlone Town's progression to the second qualifying round.
ZNK Agram, despite being a leading Croatian women's football team, have not advanced past early rounds in the Women's Champions League recently. This loss to Athlone Town further highlights their current status as early-round competitors in European competition.
Athlone Town's opponent in the next round will be Breiðablik of Iceland. The Irish team will have the advantage of playing at home, aiming to continue their impressive run in the Champions League.
While Athlone Town prepares for their next challenge, their opponents, Agram, have faced their own challenges. Agram, with six of Osijek's best players, have a combination of youth and experience in their team. However, they have a smaller budget compared to Osijek, Dinamo, and Hajduk, and have to rent their pitch for their games. Their defender, Maja Lena Bicanic, even stated that they have the status of professional athletes, but their salaries are not yet enough for a normal life due to the underdevelopment of women's football.
Despite these challenges, Agram have managed to play and win four friendly matches against Slovenian and Austrian teams. Their determination and resilience will undoubtedly be tested as they face Breiðablik in the next round.
As Athlone Town stands potentially 90 minutes away from advancing further in the Champions League, the Irish team and their supporters eagerly await the next match. With their history of defying odds in European competitions, including a 0-0 draw against AC Milan and a 3-2 loss against Standard Liege, Athlone Town is determined to make a mark in the Women's Champions League.
Sports have been a prominent display of determination and resilience for Athlone Town, as they demonstrated in the UEFA Women's Champions League. In the second qualifying round, they will compete against Breidaleik in football, aiming to make history once more, following their impressive three-goal lead over ZNK Agram in the Round 1 Qualifier.
