Birkirkara will be hoping to at least repeat last season’s feat when they launch their UEFA Women’s Champions League campaign, today.
In the previous edition of this competition, the Stripes had managed to secure a last-gasp winner to beat Montenegro’s champions Breznica in the qualifying semi-final and book a final berth against Zurich.
Eventually, Birkirkara found the going tough against the Swiss giants but the Breznica victory meant that the Stripes had now managed to win at least one game in Europe in their last two expeditions.
The first qualifying round of the chief competition in the European women’s football is a four-team mini group, with a semi-final and a final which determines which club makes it to the next qualifying round.
This will be the last time that this format takes place as for the 2025/2026 season, UEFA has announced a new-look Champions League and a second competition as well, the Europa League for women teams.
Breznica of Montenegro will be Birkirkara’s first opponents again, when the two teams meet tonight.
“It will be a physical game, and we have to work a lot on this aspect to make sure that we keep high level of physicality during the whole match,” Birkirkara’s new coach Vince Galea told the Times of Malta.
“Breznica have improved their squad in the past weeks, but my players are ready for this challenge. I expect full focus and determination from my players while playing with confidence and trust.”
The Stripes will be heading into their 12th European participation having already played two league games, beating San Ġwann 11-0 and Lija Athletic 1-0.
On the other hand, Breznica are yet to play an official match this season albeit they have been involved in several preparatory friendlies ahead of the Champions League.
“Had to settle quick as it was quite a challenging pre-season with a lot of players involved with the national team during the July window, new players coming in and others leaving, while having to prepare for both the league opening games and the Champions League, but I am satisfied with the work done by my team”, Galea explained.
During the summer transfer window, the Maltese champions have reinforced the squad with key signings in every department.
Maltese goalkeeper Maya Cachia, who featured in Malta’s last European qualifier against Portugal in July, was brought in as a replacement for the injured Janice Xuereb.
At the back, coach Galea continues to rely on the experience provided by Stephania Farrugia and Charlene Zammit, who have 43 European appearances between them.
Former Mġarr United defensive midfielder Luana Cabral, Japanese midfielder Yuna Hazekawa and American winger Calista Schechinger were also brought in during the summer, having already featured in the Assikura Women’s League.
In addition, Birkirkara’s coach has been handing a lot of playing minutes to young players including Mariah Cardona, Stella Francalanza, Amelia Vassallo and Martina Fenech, with the latter having returned from a long-term knee injury.
“It is an ongoing process, there are some positive things to consolidate and other aspects to keep working on them,” Birkirkara’s coach pointed out.
“The players have been adapting well to the training methods and principles of play but we strive to improve even more.”
GROUP 4 FIXTURES
TODAY
Anderlecht (Belgium) vs Red Star Belgrade (Serbia) – 5.45pm, Centenary Stadium.
Breznica (Montenegro) vs Birkirkara (Malta) – 9.15pm, Centenary Stadium.
SATURDAY
Third-place ranking match – 5.45pm, Centenary Stadium.
First-place ranking match – 9.15pm, Centenary Stadium.
