Gintra and Riga Set for UWCL Third-Place Playoff After Semi-Final Defeats

The UEFA Women's Champions League 2026/27 qualifying rounds have set the stage for a familiar encounter, as Gintra and Riga FC Women are now slated to compete in the third-place playoff of their mini-tournament group. Both teams experienced defeats in their semi-final fixtures held on August 5th, leading to this upcoming clash.

Gintra, a side with extensive European experience embarking on their 23rd continental campaign, fell to Scottish champions Heart of Midlothian with a 2-1 scoreline. In the other semi-final, host team HB KøgeTeam·HB Køge secured a decisive 4-1 victory over Riga FC Women, preventing the Latvian champions from reaching the group final.

This mini-tournament format dictates that only the winner will advance further in the UEFA Women's Champions League qualifying path. The teams finishing second and third, including Gintra and Riga, will transfer to the UEFA Women's Europa Cup, offering another avenue for European competition. The third-place playoff, where Gintra and Riga will meet, is scheduled for August 8th.

Riga FC Women entered this stage with considerable momentum, having previously won their first qualifying mini-tournament by defeating Glentoran 4-1 and then WrexhamTeam·Wrexham by the same margin in the final. The Latvian champions also recently secured a notable 3-0 victory over Gintra in a Baltic League semi-final, underscoring their competitive edge. Domestically, Riga FC Women have enjoyed a successful run since their founding in 2024, clinching the Latvian league title in both 2024 and 2025, along with the Latvian Cup in 2025 and the 2025 Baltic Women's Super League.

While both Gintra and Riga FC Women participated in the qualifying rounds for the 2025/26 UEFA Women's Champions League, neither progressed to the main league phase. That season concluded with BarcelonaTeam·Barcelona securing their fourth title, defeating OL Lyonnes 4-0 in the final on May 23, 2026. Gintra did compete in the UEFA Women's Europa Cup in 2025/26, achieving a 1-0 victory against NordsjællandTeam·Nordsjælland, while Riga notably defeated FloraTeam·Flora 4-1 in their 2025/26 Champions LeagueCompetition·Champions League qualifying efforts. The upcoming third-place match between Gintra and Riga will provide an opportunity for both teams to conclude their Champions LeagueCompetition·Champions League qualifying journey with a victory, even as their focus shifts to the UEFA Women's Europa Cup.