With the quarter-final stage set, eight teams prepare to battle it out in the UEFA Women’s Champions League.
Defending champions Barcelona pinched the top spot of their group following a strong 3-0 victory over Women’s Super League (WSL) side Manchester City on matchday six. The Liga F will have their sights set on lifting the European trophy for the third season in a row.
English clubs Chelsea and Arsenal both topped the pecking order in their respective groups, while German giants Bayern Munich and VfL Wolfsburg secured qualification in second place.
The draw for the quarter-final stages will take place on Feburary 7, with fixtures prepared to be played on March 18/19.
90min predicts which European club will lift silverware at Lisbon’s Estadio Jose Alvalade in 2025…
Arsenal have been in firing form since Renee Slegers look hold of the mantel, playing with a fight that fans have been longing for. The Gunners took it to Bayern Munich on matchday six, and are looking like they may cause some real issues on the European stage.
As for Manchester City, Gareth Taylor’s side looks depleted. Injury woes have seen Alex Greenwood, Lauren Hemp, Vivianne Miedema, Chloe Kelly and Khadija Shaw all missing from the match day squad, and it’s safe to say that the side look vulnerable.
Both of these English sides can elicit glimpses that prove they are able to beat any side on the globe, but their questionable depth may stop them from going all of the way.
Barcelona are by far the most ruthless side in Europe, winning back to back Champions League titles and making the Liga F look like light-work. The Spanish giants will be well-equipped to make it three in a row, as Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmati only continues to get better.
The defending champions encountered turbulence in their first European encounter this season, falling to a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Manchester City on matchday one. However, since then, Barcelona have been ruthless. Matchday two saw them demolish Hammarby by a 9-0 margin, before claiming consecutive victories over St. Polten.
It may seem a simple prediction, but if one side can steal the glory away from Barcelona, it may well be Chelsea. Blues fans will despise the idea of facing off with Barcelona once more, after a narrow 2-1 aggregate defeat saw them miss out on a place in the final last season. And despite all the brilliance that is Emma Hayes, she has never won the Champions League. Sonia Bompastor however, has.
In moments where Chelsea look vulnerable, they don’t appear beatable. A questionable showing against Real Madrid on matchday six still saw the Blues claim victory, yet to lose a game under Bompastor.
The squad has always been talented, but Chelsea’s depth is now where the dominance resides. As the side prepare to welcome back Sam Kerr, Lauren James and Mia Fishel in the new year, this may finally be the year that Chelsea claim European glory.
Predicted winners: Chelsea