Hearts and Rangers face tough Women's Champions League qualifying tests

Scottish clubs Hearts and Rangers begin their Women's Champions League qualifying campaigns on Wednesday, facing difficult opponents in second-round mini-tournaments. Both teams aim to reverse a recent decline for Scottish sides in the competition since Glasgow City's 2020 quarter-final run. Hearts, first-time Scottish champions, travel to Denmark to face Lithuanian veterans Gintra, who are mid-season and top their league. Rangers, runners-up, host Slavia Prague at Broadwood Stadium, with the winner likely facing Ajax or Brondby in the final. Hearts have made no major signings under new coach Andy Thomson, while Rangers have added seven players after losing Mia McAulay. Group winners advance to the third qualifying round, with runners-up entering the Europa League.