The Bluebirds return to UEFA Women’s Champions League action by facing Athlone Town on Wednesday, July 30th.
The fixture will take place at Athlone Town Stadium, kicking off at 7.30pm.
TICKET NEWS
Prices for tickets are as follows:
Adult: €15
Child: €5
Student/OAP: €10
There is an allocated section for away fans at Athlone Town Stadium. When selecting a seat to reserve, please select a seat in the away section, which are highlighted in blue on the seat map.
HOW TO WATCH
Wednesday's fixture will be live streamed for free by League of Ireland TV.
After clicking the link below, click subscribe, find the package named 'Athlone Town v Cardiff City' and register for a free account with an email address.
Click the photo above to watch the full video!
PRE-MATCH | IAIN DARBYSHIRE
Ahead of the contest, head coach Iain Darbyshire spoke to Cardiff City TV.
“We’ve got a very strong XI and great supporting players.” Iain began. We know that we can change the game if we need to, with the way that we play, our shape and we’re very tactically flexible based on how the game is going.
“I feel like the players have got a great knowledge of what to expect tomorrow and that’s going to be key when we’re in the game tomorrow, managing the moments and making sure we’re in control.
“Athlone are a really good side. We’ve watched a lot of their games. They’re mid-season, which presents a different challenge for us in trying to get up to their physical level and trying to get into the same type of rhythm as them.
“That being said, I feel like we’ve prepared in the best way we can. We know what they do with their patterns of play, so it’s just about recognising it live in the game and making sure that after we’ve put in the hard work on the training ground, we go and take it into the game.”
Click the photo above to watch the full video!
PRE-MATCH | LISA OWEN
Lisa Owen has featured for City in the last two campaigns in the UEFA Women’s Champions League.
“We can take so much from past experience,” she told Cardiff City TV. “I feel like every year has been a bit different.
“The first year, we didn’t know what to expect, we were a bit nervous and sometimes nerves can get the better of you, but this year, it’s a lot different.
“We’re much more settled and we know what to expect, so we’re a lot more prepared.
“We’re more than ready. This is the strongest squad that we’ve had to compete, with depth in the squad; a strong starting XI and great options on the bench.”
KNOW YOUR OPPONENT
Athlone Town compete in the League of Ireland Women’s Premier Division, which runs from March to October, meaning they are in the middle of their 2025 campaign.
In 2018, the side were among 11 founding clubs in a new U17 Women’s National League. Two years later in 2020, the Town were accepted to join the senior Women’s Premier Division.
Their rise to success began with the FAI Women’s Cup in 2023, in which they defeated Shelbourne 4-3 on penalties after drawing the Final 2-2.
Cup glory buoyed them ahead of the 2024 season. 15 wins from 20 matches, with 47 points from a possible 60, led them to winning the title for the first time in their history.
They finished two points above Shelbourne to qualify for the UEFA Women’s Champions League first qualifying round.
So far this season, the side are unbeaten, having won ten of their 13 matches.
REACHING THE GROUND
Athlone Town Stadium, referred to by home fans as Lissywollen, has a seating capacity of 2,024 and an overall capacity of 5,000. The stadium was built in 2007.
Supporters attending the fixture should use the following address:
Athlone Town Stadium, Brawny House, Irishtown, Ballymahon Road, Athlone, Co. Westmeath, Ireland.
The stadium is located just off exit 10 on the M6 motorway and is 1.5km from Athlone Train Station and Athlone Bus Station, entailing approximately a 20-minute walk.
There is no parking at the stadium for away supporters, but parking can be found in the surrounding areas of the stadium.
On arrival, bag checks and security screening may be conducted.
Flags and banners are welcomed at Athlone Town Stadium, but are not allowed to cover any sponsorship signage.
There is a wheelchair accessible viewing area to the left-hand side of the stand. Wheelchair car parking can be reserved by emailing secretary@athlonetownafc.ie
FOOD AND DRINK
There are two pubs within walking distance of Athlone Town Stadium.
The Olive Bar (N37 EF68) is located 850m from the ground, a 12-minute walk away.
The Bounty (N37 K0T9) is another option, located 1.3km from the ground, an 18-minute walk away.
At the ground, a kiosk is located behind the stand that serves tea, coffee, snacks and hot food.
Please note that alcohol is strictly prohibited inside the ground. Any alcohol will be taken and disposed of prior to entry. There is no smoking permitted in the Main Stand.