Celtic’s Women’s Champions League debut ended in disappointment as Dutch champions Twente claimed a 2-0 victory at New Douglas Park, courtesy of a clinical double from Netherlands international Kayleigh van Dooren.
The result marks the first defeat of the season for Elena Sadiku’s side, who were playing their first match at their new home in Hamilton.
It ends in defeat, but a performance to be proud of in our first #UWCL outing #CelticTwente | #CelticFC🍀 pic.twitter.com/hXrLM8Is0l
— Celtic FC Women (@CelticFCWomen) October 8, 2024
Celtic started the match brightly, showing confidence in the early stages of their first-ever group stage appearance in Europe’s elite competition. However, Twente’s experience began to tell as the game progressed, with the visitors eventually asserting control after weathering Celtic’s initial energy and enthusiasm.
Twente’s opener came just before half-time, when a long ball over the top of Celtic’s defence forced goalkeeper Kelsey Daugherty off her line. Van Dooren capitalised on the opportunity, calmly lobbing the ball into the net to give the visitors a 1-0 lead at the break.
Celtic pushed hard in the second half, chasing an equaliser and showing glimpses of the attacking threat that had served them well domestically. However, their efforts were undone in the 85th minute when van Dooren struck again, ending Celtic’s hopes of salvaging anything from the game.
In the group’s other match, Chelsea secured a 3-2 victory over Real Madrid, adding to the challenge awaiting Celtic as they prepare to travel to Spain for their next Champions League fixture. Facing a tough Real Madrid side, the Hoops will need to regroup and take lessons from their debut in European competition.
