McGregor and Loferski Propel Celtic to Women’s Champions League Second Round

Shannon McGregor and Kit Loferski were the heroes as Celtic advanced to the second round of the Women’s Champions League, defeating section hosts Gintra. Elena Sadiku’s side dominated the early stages, with Lucy Ashworth-Clifford’s dangerous corners unsettling the Lithuanian defense.

McGregor opened the scoring with a stunning long-range strike after spotting Gintra goalkeeper Liisa Tuomi off her line. It marked McGregor’s first goal for Celtic, setting the tone for the match.

Celtic had a chance to double their lead before halftime when Saoirse Noonan was fouled while striking the post, but Tuomi saved Mathilde Carstens’ penalty and the rebound went wide.

The second half saw Celtic continue to press, with Kelly Clark and Caitlin Hayes coming close before Loferski sealed the victory with a header from a Jenny Smith cross.

Celtic now progress to Monday’s draw for the second round, with the two-legged tie set for mid-September ahead of the group stage in October.