The Women’s Champions League kicks off its new era this week — one league, no second legs, every goal counts. Arsenal open with a massive clash against Lyon, a rerun of last season’s semi-final that saw the Gunners shock the French giants on their way to the title. Barcelona faced Bayern Munich in a meeting of European heavyweights, while Chelsea travelled to the Netherlands to take on Twente. Manchester United make their long-awaited debut against Vålerenga, Real Madrid meet Roma, and Wolfsburg host PSG. Juventus battle Benfica in Turin, Paris FC take on Belgian newcomers OH Leuven, and Atlético Madrid face St. Pölten in Austria. The new format means no safety nets — every match matters from the first whistle.
Let’s first look at what the stars of the WSL will be doing midweek and who they will be facing in the first game of the season, and United's first taste of the Champions League, Arsenal hoping to start better in the Champions League than WSL to defend their title. Chelsea face FC Twente for the second year in a row, having faced them at this stage last season.
Arsenal Women v Lyon Women
These two sides met in the semi-finals last year. Lyon got the upper hand in the first leg at the Emirates, winning 2-1. It seemed all lost for the gooners, but they went to Lyon and won 4-1, shocking everyone to make it to the final and winning it against Barca.
Arsenal made some big moves over the summer, making money for Olivia Smith in a million-dollar deal. They made Chloe Kelly's deal permanent. Their WSL form has been patchy lately, dropping points and goals. They started well, scoring nine goals in two games, thrashing West Ham and London City Lionesses, but have fallen to harder oppositions with a 0-0 draw to United, drawing 1-1 to Aston Villa due to letting in a stoppage time equaliser and most recently lost 3-2 to Manchester City. They have lacked the urgency in front of the goal.
Lyon, however, has been in fine form, winning 6-1 against PSG and most recently 8-1 against Lens. They raided European rivals, 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.
Arsenal’s recent defensive fragility could be an issue. Lyon’s challenge is coordinating their relatively new squad under a new coach, but their attacking firepower gives them an edge.
Manchester United Women v Valerenga Women
United will make their first appearance in the new league phase after successfully qualifying. They will face Norwegian Champions Vålerenga. They created a big stir last season with a draw against Bayern Munich in the group stage and should not be underestimated.
United have injury concerns, with Millie Turner out until Christmas and Leah Galton recovering, but Elisabeth Terland has been prolific in qualifying. Other key players are Melvine Malard and Ella Toone, who can produce goals for the side.
Vålerenga arrive in good form, chasing a third straight league title domestically. Key factors will be United’s rotation and Terland’s finishing, while Vålerenga must handle the intensity of an away Champions League atmosphere.
FC Twente Women v Chelsea Women
Chelsea faced FC Twente in the group stages last season and beat them over the two legs in aggregate of 9-2.
Chelsea are still unbeaten in the WSL The last time they lost was 1st May 2024. Though they have just dropped points against Manchester United, it was the first time they dropped points since March 2025 in the league. They have let loose against since May, when they lost 8-2 on aggregate to Barcelona.
Chelsea has a long list of injuries from Lucy Bronze, Lauren James, Mayra Ramirez, and others, but Sam Kerr is coming back, and Aggie-Beever Jones is in fine fitness. They have brought in big stars this summer including Ellie Carpenter the only Australian ever to win the Champions League and Alyssa Thompson.
Twente’s defensive improvements will be tested against Chelsea’s firepower; expect an open, high-scoring encounter where Chelsea’s experience is crucial.
Twente have qualified strongly this year and added Netherlands international Jill Roord to bolster their midfield. She returns to the club after being at the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City so she knows this Chelsea side very well.
FC Twente currently sit at the top of the Vrouwen Eredivisie table, and are two points clear of rivals Ajax, having taken maximum points from their opening four matches of the campaign.
The Dutch side came through qualifying to advance to the league phase of the competition with an 8-1 aggregate win against GKS Katowice over two legs in the final round.
Wieke Kaptein joined Chelsea from FC Twente. She said on facing her previous side for the second year running
'To be honest, I didn't see that one coming!' smiled Kaptein. 'I thought it was a one-time thing, but no, it's really good, and I think they have a good group to play against. We're really excited.'It was good to play in my home stadium last season, where it all began. I enjoyed the reaction from the fans. I was really grateful to them. It was a good game from our side, and I hope it's going to be the same again.”
Barcelona Women v Bayern Munich Women
Barcelona continue their remarkable UCL consistency, having reached multiple consecutive finals, while Bayern have previously beaten Barça in the 2022/23 group stage. Barcelona are strong domestically, with stars like Aitana Bonmatí and depth in attack, whereas Bayern, coming off a Frauen-Bundesliga title, welcome back key player Lena Oberdorf from injury. Bayern must be disciplined defensively to challenge Barcelona, while the hosts aim to dominate possession and create early chances. Momentum and squad depth favor the Catalans.
Paris FC Women v OH Leuven Women
Paris FC are now regular participants in the Champions League and have upset big clubs in previous group stages, whereas OH Leuven make their league-phase debut after a strong domestic season and qualifying run. Paris FC have seen captain and goalkeeper changes, while OH Leuven bring youthful energy and momentum but lack experience at this level. This match will test Leuven’s resilience, while Paris FC will aim to establish authority early, particularly through leadership and set-piece efficiency.
Real Madrid Women v Roma Women
Real Madrid, who made the UCL quarter-finals on debut in 2021/22, are looking to build on previous European runs with summer signings like Merle Frohms, Sara Däbritz, and Sara Holmgaard. Roma, having impressed in qualifying, added Valentina Bergamaschi, Katrine Veje, and Winonah Heatley to strengthen their squad. Both teams aim to assert themselves early; Madrid’s consistency and depth may counter Roma’s attacking threats. Rotation and squad management will be important.
St Polten Women v Atlético Madrid Women
St. Pölten, Austrian champions for over a decade, have consistently qualified for European competition but have yet to make a deep run. Atlético last reached the UCL quarter-finals in 2019/20 and survived dramatic qualifying with late goals. St. Pölten bring domestic consistency and composure, while Atlético’s dynamic young squad, including Luany, will look to make an impact. The clash of experience versus ambition will be fascinating; a strong start is essential for Atlético to avoid dropping points.
Wolfsburg Women v PSG Women
These two clubs have met in past knockout rounds, but this is an early league-phase encounter. Wolfsburg have refreshed their squad with new signings while retaining experienced players like Alexandra Popp. PSG are rebuilding after last season’s early exit, having added Olga Carmona and Rasheedat Ajibade while losing some key stars. Both teams will be tested on travel, squad depth, and early momentum. Expect an intense game where experience and resilience may decide the outcome.
Juventus Women v Benfica Women
Juventus have been a consistent European presence, reaching the quarter-finals in 2021/22 and finishing behind Arsenal and Bayern in their group last season, despite winning the Italian double. Benfica missed out last season after a quarter-final run the year prior. Juventus strengthened their midfield by signing Switzerland international Lia Wälti from Arsenal, while Benfica added experienced internationals Ana Borges, Diana Gomes, Diana Silva, and Caroline Møller to boost squad depth. A disciplined Juventus at home will look to control the game, while Benfica must quickly build cohesion among new recruits. Expect a tight contest; both sides need a strong start.
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