Wrexham Women head coach Jenny Sugarman praised her side’s immediate response after they came from behind to beat FC Pyunik 4-2 at the Racecourse on Wednesday in their first UEFA Women’s Champions League match.
The occasion carried added weight after Wrexham secured their Champions League place by winning the Adran Premier. Their first European night then produced the same resilience that drove that domestic success.
Wrexham had prepared carefully for their historic Champions League debut, but they were forced to respond after Susanna Badalyan gave Pyunik the lead.
Katie Barker equalised within two minutes. That quick reply prevented the visitors from settling and became the defining feature of Wrexham’s evening.
Sugarman sees a familiar Wrexham strength
Sugarman said the response reflected standards built during the previous campaign. Her side refused to allow the setback to damage their confidence or give Pyunik control.
“Do you know what’s really pleasing is that’s something that this group did last year.
“So, to be able to continue that over, because that’s really important. You don’t let the opposition get a hold in the game.
“Then, you don’t let it affect your confidence and you don’t get frustrated by it.”
The comments, published by Leader Live, showed why Wrexham appointed Jenny Sugarman to guide the team into Europe.
Sugarman also highlighted the role of the home support. She said the crowd became louder after Wrexham conceded and the players thrived on that reaction.
“The crowd get noisier as soon as we concede and the players thrive in that moment, and then they go and make it count when the opposition are, perhaps, not concentrating.”
Wrexham take control after the break
Lili Jones put Wrexham ahead early in the second half with a chipped finish. Ava Suckley then scrambled in a third to give the hosts a two-goal advantage.
Luiza Ghazaryan reduced the deficit with an effort from distance, but Wrexham remained composed. Natasha Thomas completed the scoring with the fourth goal.
Thomas delivered an immediate contribution after previously explaining why Wrexham felt right following her departure from Ipswich Town.
The result also rewarded the decision to stage Wrexham’s European debut at the Racecourse. The players responded to the occasion without allowing its significance to overwhelm them.
Riga now stand between Wrexham and qualification
Wrexham will return to the Racecourse to face Riga at 6pm on Saturday, 25 July. The winners will progress to the second qualifying round.
The next challenge will demand another controlled performance. Wrexham can nevertheless take measured confidence from the way they recovered against Pyunik.
The club’s first league title opened the door to European competition. Their first performance on that stage showed Sugarman’s side are determined to make the opportunity count.
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