The Women’s Champions League has entered a new era. Gone are the traditional group stages and two-legged ties — now it’s one league, one chance. Every goal and point matters. The top four advance straight to the quarterfinals, teams finishing fifth to twelfth battle it out in two-legged playoffs, and the rest are out. It’s ruthless football — and the pressure has never been higher.
New entrants Manchester United, OH Leuven, and Atlético de Madrid join the mix, adding fresh intrigue. Mary Earps returns to Old Trafford with PSG, and the competition’s structure means there are no second chances — every match could define a season.
Can Arsenal Defend Their Crown?
Eighteen years after their first title, Arsenal finally reclaimed Europe’s top prize in 2025 with a stunning 1-0 win over Barcelona in Lisbon. But their start to the WSL season has been inconsistent — nine goals in their opening two games followed by just three in the next three, including late draws against United and Aston Villa, and a 3-2 loss to Manchester City. Currently fifth in the league, they need a big performance against Lyon to steady the ship.
Arsenal’s last home clash with Lyon ended in a 2-1 defeat, but they famously turned it around with a 4-1 win away — a luxury they no longer have under the single-leg format. The Gunners strengthened this summer, signing Olivia Smith in a million-dollar deal to bolster a front line already boasting Alessia Russo, Chloe Kelly, and Caitlin Foord. The defending champions now carry a target on their backs as the team that ended Barcelona’s European streak.
Will Barcelona Bounce Back?
Barcelona’s dominance was shattered by Arsenal last season, and the loss still stings. With Ballon d’Or winners Alexia Putellas and Aitana Bonmatí leading the side, they remain favourites — but depth is their biggest issue. Financial strain from the men’s team has left the women’s squad with just 17 first-team players and no January reinforcements. With fatigue and injuries a constant threat, maintaining form across competitions will be difficult. The only addition, Laia Aleixandri, adds defensive cover, but keeping their stars fit will decide whether Barca reclaim their crown.
Could Chelsea Finally Win It?
Four years of heartbreak have made Chelsea desperate for European glory. Once again, Barcelona stand in their path — but this season, they’ll only meet once in the league phase. Under new manager Sonia Bompastor — the only woman to win the Champions League as both player and coach — Chelsea bring new experience and belief. Bompastor famously led Lyon to a 4-3 win over Barca in 2022 and knows how to outsmart them.
With Sam Kerr back fit and new signings Naomi Girma, Alyssa Thompson, and Ellie Carpenter strengthening an already stacked squad, Chelsea are built for this moment. After six straight WSL titles and a domestic treble, the Blues are ready to turn dominance at home into European success.
Can Lyon Return to the Top?
Lyon were humbled by Arsenal last season but have reloaded with power and purpose. They raided rivals across Europe, bringing in PSG’s Marie-Antoinette Katoto, Germany’s Jule Brand, and USWNT talents Korbin Schrader and Lily Yohannes. The biggest signing, though, was on the touchline — former Barcelona boss Jonatan Giráldez, who led the Catalans to back-to-back titles, has returned to Europe to take charge.
With owner Michele Kang demanding success, failure isn’t an option. Lyon haven’t lifted the trophy since 2022, but their revamped squad and Giráldez’s experience could make them favourites again.
Can a German Club Surprise Europe?
Germany’s dominance has faded — no club has won the title since 2015. Wolfsburg, once a powerhouse, have declined after losing stars like Jule Brand and Ewa Pajor. Yet, with veterans like Alexandra Popp still leading the line, they remain a threat. Bayern Munich, despite their depth, were handed a tough draw and have yet to win this competition. Both sides have the talent to make a run if results elsewhere go their way, but the margin for error is slim.
Manchester United’s Debut Season
Manchester United’s first full Champions League campaign is a statement of intent. After falling short in 2023, they finally navigated three qualification rounds to earn their place. However, injuries and a thin squad could hold them back — they’ve fielded just five substitutes in recent WSL games. Marc Skinner’s side have nothing to lose, and that freedom could make them dangerous. With limited resources but high ambition, United are here to prove they belong on Europe’s biggest stage.
Who Else Could Shock the Big Names?
OH Leuven made history as the first Belgian side to reach the league phase, defying expectations with a fairytale run through qualifiers. While they face a steep challenge against seasoned opposition, their achievement already makes them one of the competition’s great stories.
Paris FC have built a reputation as fearless underdogs, famously knocking out Arsenal, Wolfsburg, and Real Madrid in 2024 before being thrashed by Manchester City in qualifiers last season. With a more forgiving draw this time, they’ll target a top-12 finish and a playoff spot.
PSG are looking to recover after missing the group stage last year, ending a run of nine straight quarterfinals. Losing Katoto, Schrader, and Geyoro to rivals — including Lyon and Michele Kang’s London City Lionesses — has weakened them, but new arrivals Crystal Dunn, Olga Carmona, and Rasheedat Ajibade bring pedigree and versatility.
Real Madrid have reached the quarterfinals twice in the past four years but continue to rebuild after losing key players like Linda Caicedo and Caroline Weir. A first-ever win over Barcelona last season has lifted spirits, and with their rivals stretched thin, they could capitalise.
Roma are unpredictable but dangerous, relying heavily on captain Giugliano’s goals. Swiss forward Alayah Pilgrim impressed in the Serie A Cup despite their narrow 3-2 loss to Juventus in the final. If they can find consistency, Roma could sneak into the knockouts.
St. Pölten, Twente, and Vålerenga complete the field of dark horses. St. Pölten’s dominance in Austria and Twente’s reunion with Jill Roord make them compelling underdogs, while Vålerenga — hosting the final in Oslo — will hope home advantage fuels a fairytale run.
Juventus, boosted by Italy’s Euro 2025 semifinalists and the experience of Girelli, Bonansea, and Wälti, look strong enough to push deep into the competition.
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