Thanks to their strong performances on the international stage in recent years, Luxembourg's FC Racing women's team have been allowed to enter directly in the second round. On the one hand, this is a great reward, but on the other, it means a tough opponent.
Unlike FC Racing, who are just beginning their pre-season, Helsinki are already in full swing: the Finnish league has been underway for months, with Helsinki winning 13 out of their 14 matches so far. This match fitness could give the visitors a considerable advantage.
While Helsinki are already fully in the swing of their league, FC Racing are still in pre-season, explained coach Elodie Martins.
According to her, they may have a slight advantage in terms of rhythm, but whether they want it more or have more quality, she cannot know.
She highlights that reaching the second qualifying round is not something to take for granted. "We have worked hard to get here, and now it is all about proving ourselves on the pitch", she admitted.
In order to prepare as well as possible for this important fixture, FC Racing have had to make sacrifices over the summer.
"No one has gone on holiday. We have all been here right from the start, and we want to achieve something. Everyone is working hard", said Marta Estevez, one of FC Racing key players.
She resumed that FC Racing's friendly matches have gone well so far, but still have a tough one against Metz coming up, which they consider a chance to ensure they are ready for Wednesday.
FC Racing have seen significant changes during the summer, with seven new players joining the ranks. The pre-season friendlies have been vital in helping these new signings settle in and integrate with the team.
However, not everyone will be available for the Helsinki match, as injuries have struck at the worst possible time. Missing out on such a key game due to injury is a bitter blow for any player.
Team captain Julie Wojdyla expressed her disappointment, "because you work all season for matches like this".
On a personal note, she asks herself whether this is her last season, or if there will be more. If it is her last, she says, missing out on a match like this would be incredibly disappointing.
But if she cannot play in the first game, maybe she will be ready for the next one, regardless of how the first one goes.
"One thing is certain: we will give everything, and if I have to push myself to the limit to get back on the pitch, I will do it", she concluded.
Unlike the men’s competition, the second round for the women is played in a tournament format. Regardless of Wednesday’s result against Helsinki, FC Racing will play a second match in this qualifying round.
To remain in European competition, the Luxembourg team must secure at least one victory. That is exactly the target set by coach Elodie Martins and her players.
