Amy Gallacher: The UWCL stage is one we all want to be playing our part in | OneFootball

Matchday two is now upon us in the UEFA Women’s Champions League as Celtic FC Women get set for their first ever away group stage outing in the competition.

Thursday evening’s match is gearing up to be another tough, but momentous occasion for the Ghirls as they face off against Spanish giants, Real Madrid.

It could also be a huge moment for forward Amy Gallacher, who is in line to make her first group stage appearance in Green and White.

Having missed out on last week’s opener against FC Twente, the striker is now back in contention for this evening’s (Thursday’s) match, with another option added to Elena Sadiku’s forward line after returning from injury.

Speaking to the press ahead of matchday two, the 25-year-old is excited by the challenge ahead as the Celts look to bounce back from a disappointing weekend.

She said: “The mood in the camp has been good. Obviously, we had a bad result at the weekend but that is just a blip in the road.

“We’ve got another game to focus on now that we are in Madrid. So hopefully, we can make a good account of ourselves.”

“Playing in the Champions League group stages is special and a bit mental actually, playing against Real Madrid.

“But, as I’ve said, hopefully we can make a good account of ourselves and play well.”

Should Gallacher make her UWCL bow, it will be amid an unexperienced Celtic side when it comes to performing at this stage of European football.

On the other hand, the Hoops’ opponents, Real Madrid, have become more accustomed to this stage in recent years.

That isn’t something that is going to faze Gallacher and the rest of the Celtic squad though, who are keen to express themselves on the biggest of stages.

“We know it’s going to be a tough test,” she said. “Obviously, we need to defend well and be compact as a group.

“Hopefully, when we get the ball too then we can create chances as well. That is the aim.

“We’re buzzing ahead of the game as a group. I think coming here to Madrid in the group stages of the Champions League, it’s where everybody wants to be.

“We’ve spoken a lot in meetings in the lead up to the game. We want to try and forget about the name and focus as if it’s any other game.

“So that it allows us to just see what we can do on the pitch.”

Match Centre

Fixtures

Real Madrid Femenino Vs. Celtic Women - Thu, Oct 17th 2024, 17:45