Here’s how Saoirse Noonan’s hat-trick inspired Celtic women as they comeback to defeat KuPS in Champions League

Celtic were motivated by Saoirse Noonan’s hat-trick, which enabled them to overcome a deficit and defeat KuPS of Finland in extra time, thereby advancing to the mini-tournament final of the first stage of Women’s Champions League qualifying.

Roosa Ariyo scored the opening goal for the Kansallinen Liiga champions in Lithuania after 18 minutes. However, substitute forward Noonan equalised after the interval and scored two additional goals in added time.

In the final on Saturday, Celtic will compete against either the hosts, Gintra, or Anenii Noi of Moldova, who will be playing at Siauliai Central Stadium later on Wednesday.

Celtic, who were the lowest-ranked of the four teams going to Lithuania, were 20 places behind Gintra, 10 places behind KuPS, and two behind Anenii Noi. They were also the first-time Scottish champions.

Five games into the new Scottish Women’s Premier League season, they were also held to a surprise goalless draw at home by Hibernian on Friday, resulting in a two-point deficit to Rangers.

KuPS, who are currently in second place behind HJK Helsinki in their domestic season, initiated the match with a more aggressive approach. After 18 minutes, Nigerian striker Ariyo, who was born in Finland, capitalised on a sloppy pass in the midfield by firing a low shot past goalkeeper Kelsey Daugherty. This was her sixth goal in five games.

Celtic’s Hana Kerner missed a shot just before the interval, but Daugherty was required to make two exceptional saves before the Scottish champions were able to regain control of the game.

Ellan Arpiainen, the custodian, made a fantastic save from Caitlin Hayes. However, he was unable to hold the defender’s cross shortly thereafter, and it fell generously for Noonan to nod in from close range just after the hour mark.

Celtic were now the dominant team, but the Finns resisted with tenacity until Kit Loferski successfully repelled a challenge and positioned it for summer signing Noonan to secure the Scots’ lead.

The Republic of Ireland forward then capitalised on a stray pass at the perimeter of the area to score her sixth goal of the season, resulting in KuPS’s first loss in 22 appearances this season, with the exception of three against HJK.

Gintra or Anenii Noi are the sole remaining obstacles between Celtic and a two-legged round-two tie that will determine the 16-team group stage.