We head into week 2, matchday 2 of the women’s Champions League. We have already seen teams like Barcelona and Lyon steam ahead of everyone else, and the impact one loss or a draw can have on your standings in the league rankings. So let’s look at the fixtures.
Roma v Barcelona.
Roma were beating 6-2 their Barca league rivals Real Madrid in matchday one, which presented the Italian side's gaps in defence and the midfield. While Barca obliterated Bayern Munich 7-1 in their opener, they confidently head into this game, as they proved everyone wrong after losing the final last season and with their depleted squad.
However, Ewa Pajor, who scored twice in their Champions League opener, was injured this weekend. She is a significant attacking threat for the Spanish side. She has not suffered an ACL injury, but an injury in the posterolateral part of her right knee, with her recovery time being around 4-6 weeks. Barcelona's staff has stressed the need for balance and intensity in each game, while for a young Roma team, this tie is seen as a learning curve.
In their most recent meeting in the 2022/23 UEFA Champions League final, the Spanish side beat Roma on aggregate 6-1.
Atletico Madrid v Manchester United
After their last away game in the Champions League, United lost players' boots and shin pads, which were later returned to them. But the club had to buy new ones. Their captain, Maya Le Tissier, has just taken to Instagram stories to confirm the boot made it to Madrid.
Atletico hammered St Poltens 6-0 in Matchday 1, while United edged Vålerenga 1-0 from a Le Tissier penalty. They recently came from a goal behind away at Everton to win 4-1 in the league, so they hope to replicate that again.
Leah Galton was on the bench in their last WSL game, and she’s back from injury. United’s staff has spoken about defensive discipline and using countertransitions to hurt Atlético.
Chelsea v Paris FC
Chelsea started with an underwhelming performance against Twente, a team they dominated against last season in the group stage. Paris FC also drew their first game 2-2 to OH Leuven.
Chelsea have Lucy Bronze and Niamh Charles back, with the latter starting their WSL win against Spurs and Bronze coming in for a few minutes at the end. Sandy Baltimore has also returned to the squad, but is likely to play more defensively, though she is best in a more forward role.
These two clubs met under Emma Hayes in the 2023/24 group stage. The Blues won 4-1 at Stamford Bridge. The only goalscorer in that game, still a Blue, was Guro Reiten. In the away fixture, they won 4-0 with a hat-trick by Sam Kerr.
Sonia Bompastor has urged her side to “kill the hope” of Paris FC by being ruthless early and clinical in the box. She has also warned about complacency and stressed the need to convert chances.
Chelsea need a win to go into the international break on a high, especially as they face their biggest Champions League task when they play Barcelona.
OL Lyonnes v St Polten
Lyon won their match against Arsenal 2-1 on matchday one due to a defensive error by the Gunners’ goalkeeper. St Polten however came into this game after a heavy defeat to Atletico and need to try for at least a draw against the European giants.
Lyon suffered a significant setback as young forward Liana Joseph was diagnosed with a torn ACL after the game against Arsenal. She will be out long-term; that reduces Lyon’s rotation options up front.
Lyon have been dominant historically and will be expected to control proceedings. St. Pölten typically struggles against elite opponents.
Lyon’s staff emphasise squad depth and rotation after a tough opener. St. Pölten needs defensive repair and resilience.
Vålerenga v Wolfsburg.
Vålerenga lost narrowly to Manchester United in Matchday 1. Wolfsburg arrive off strong domestic form and will look to assert themselves in Norway.
Wolfsburg have some absentees but have the squad depth to cover in rotations as they focus on securing six points from the opening two fixtures, while the Norwegian side must manage fatigue and their defense.
Wolfsburg coach Stephan Lerch framed early matches as a chance to secure maximum points and used squad depth as a strength. Vålerenga's coach speaks about resilience at home.
OH Leuven v Twente
Twente drew 1–1 with Chelsea in their opener, showing they can cause upsets. Leuven drew 2–2 with Paris FC and are unbeaten domestically.
Leuven have recent good domestic form; Twente have belief from their draw with Chelsea.
Both managers stress compactness and exploiting transitional moments. Leuven will lean on home advantage. Twente will aim to press and force mistakes.
Bayern Munich v Juventus
Bayern were crushed 7–1 by Barcelona in a dramatic opener and will be licking wounds. Juventus’ form is variable in Europe but they remain organised and tough. Juventus won the opener of the champions league with a late minute winner.
Bayern players have urged the side to “step up” after the Barcelona defeat; coaches will demand a stronger, more assertive performance. Juventus will aim to exploit any Bayern fragility.
previous meetings between these sides in Europe have been level and very competitive but Bayern's depth and desire to comeback from their humiliation in day one and playing at home could make them favourites.
PSG v Real Madrid
PSG and Real Madrid both look to stabilise after opening fixtures; PSG rely on home energy while Madrid will seek to use transitions. Both clubs likely to put out the same starting XI but there could be some rotation based on performances in training and the domestic schedules with both sides having strong options in attack.
The manager both stressed tactical discipline and the need to control pivotal midfield areas. Expect a strategic contest
Benfica v Arsenal.
Arsenal have a target on their back as the current holders of this tight but recent performances in Europe and the league have been underwhelming. They lost their opener to Lyon 2-1 after beating them last season in France 4-1 to make the champions league final.
Arsenal have the depth in their squad to rotate personnel and their only injury is the long term injury to Leah Williamson who’s return has been pushed to before the Christmas break. Benfica will select a competitive XI to leverage home advantage.
Arsenal’s staff reflected on the need for tactical discipline against Lyon; Benfica spoke of confidence and home support.
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