The UEFA Women`s Champions League makes its highly anticipated return with an exciting new format. The traditional group stage has been replaced by a dynamic league phase featuring a single table of 18 teams. Each club will play six matches against different opponents, promising an elevated level of competition leading up to the final in Oslo, Norway, next May.
Clubs across Europe will battle fiercely for a coveted spot in the knockout rounds. Reigning champions Arsenal, alongside European giants Lyon and FC Barcelona, are expected to lead the charge, while numerous underdogs are eager to spring surprises. This power ranking assesses the teams` current standing and potential as they embark on this thrilling tournament.
Teams Stack Up Ahead of the League Phase:
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1. Arsenal
As the reigning title holders, Arsenal claim the top spot to commence the league phase, making them a significant target for every opponent. With manager Renee Slegers now having a full season to build upon and the strategic transfer of Olivia Smith bolstering their attacking depth, they appear exceptionally well-prepared.
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2. OL Lyon
The French powerhouse looks rejuvenated and stronger than ever after a busy transfer window. Lyon successfully acquired top talent from various European clubs, including rivals Paris Saint-Germain, and welcomed new head coach Jonatan Giraldez. With prolific forward Marie Antoinette Katoto leading the attack and the additions of Jule Brand and American Lily Yohannes, Lyon presents a formidable challenge to any opposing team.
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3. FC Barcelona
Barcelona experienced a turbulent offseason, marked by several player departures driven by financial constraints rather than strategic choice. While the club managed to retain its core starters, a noticeable lack of depth across the squad could potentially become a critical issue as the tournament progresses into its later stages.
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4. Chelsea FC
Chelsea is considered among the tournament favorites, yet a crucial question remains: is this truly their moment to claim the title? Naomi Girma`s impact was limited by injury after her January arrival. However, new additions like fullback Ellie Carpenter and winger Alyssa Thompson demonstrate further intent. The pressure is mounting for the Blues to convert their potential into tangible success, especially with other top contenders equally reinforced.
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5. Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich holds a strong position in the top five, boasting a talented roster and prior experience in the competition. However, the new league phase format could prove challenging. Featuring German national team stars Klara Bühl and Lena Oberdorf, alongside international talents Vanessa Gilles and Georgia Stanway, Bayern faces a demanding schedule with matches against powerhouses like Arsenal, Barcelona, Juventus, and Paris Saint-Germain.
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6. Wolfsburg
Despite losing key players in consecutive offseasons, including Jule Brand to Lyon and Ewa Pajor to Barcelona, Wolfsburg remains an unyielding force in the Bundesliga. The team still relies on the formidable Alexandra Popp and the dynamic midfield duo of Ella Peddemors and Janina Minge, ensuring they are a difficult side to overcome.
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7. Juventus
This ranking for Juventus is perhaps the most ambitious, heavily influenced by the presence of several key Italian national team players like Cristiana Girelli and Barbara Bonansea. The team hopes to leverage momentum from the 2025 Euros and a relatively manageable league phase draw. The addition of experienced former Arsenal midfielder Lia Wälti further strengthens their chances in this phase.
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8. Real Madrid
With a roster that consistently sparks high expectations, Real Madrid faces a pivotal league phase that could define their tournament trajectory. The arrival of Sara Dabritz, joining talents like Linda Caicedo and Athenea del Castillo, under new head coach Pau Quesada, signals that it`s time for this side to deliver more significant results in the Champions League.
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9. Roma
Roma is poised to be a tenacious contender, ready to disrupt expectations. With a league phase draw offering genuine 50-50 chances in several matches, and star player Manuela Giugliano in peak form, the team could surprise opponents if her teammates can elevate their performances collectively.
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10. Paris FC
Despite losing key figures such as goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and winger Kessya Bussy, Paris FC is expected to be a resilient side in the league phase. Forward Clara Mateo is currently in excellent form, leading the team`s offensive efforts. They appear better positioned for a successful run in the tournament than their city rivals, PSG.
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11. Atletico Madrid
Atletico Madrid has quietly re-ascended to Champions League form, particularly since the emergence of Real Madrid and Barcelona`s dominant reign. They previously defeated last year`s dark horse favorites BK Hacken and are increasingly becoming disruptors in Liga F. While young talents like Luany and Fiamma Benitez show great promise, their limited tournament experience could become a factor later on.
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12. Manchester United
Head coach Marc Skinner has consistently voiced concerns about the franchise`s conservative spending on high-caliber talent. Nevertheless, this is far from a roster of unknowns. The acquisition of Fridolina Rolfo is a significant upgrade, and the Red Devils are hoping Elisabeth Terland can maintain her goalscoring prowess throughout the tournament.
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13. Paris Saint-Germain
Once a genuine contender, PSG showed signs of a sudden decline last year. They faced significant losses, including Marie-Antoinette Katoto, Korbin Shrader, and Grace Geyoro. While the team welcomed Crystal Dunn, Olga Carmona, and Rasheedat Ajibade, they appear to be a squad still in need of time to gel—a concerning sign given their challenging league phase draw.
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14. Benfica
The Portuguese title winners are a true wild card for the upcoming league phase, facing some demanding fixtures. Benfica`s Champions League history is a mix of highs and lows, from remarkable draws against Barcelona and a quarterfinal appearance to failing to qualify entirely. Manager Ivan Baptista will need to strategize effectively to ensure striker Cristina Martín-Prieto remains in a position to succeed.
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15. Twente
The ten-time Dutch champions return to the competition after a less-than-stellar history in the tournament. They anticipate tough challenges in the new league phase, potentially against formidable opponents like Chelsea and Arsenal, and even Spanish sides Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid. Veteran Jill Roord brings invaluable experience and playmaking ability to influence games.
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16. St. Polten
The Austrian side is no stranger to Champions League participation, but they have yet to progress significantly beyond the early stages. With the new format, opportunities for upsets might increase, yet they are coming off six consecutive exits in the Round of 32. The league phase means more direct encounters with powerhouses such as Chelsea FC and OL Lyon.
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17. Vålerenga
The Norwegian side will undoubtedly be motivated by the prospect of a Champions League final being held in Oslo next May, but they are clearly starting as long shots. Lacking extensive tournament experience, Vålerenga will aim for upsets in their league phase competition, having managed to avoid the `big four` in the draw.
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18. OH Leuven
Having secured their first Belgian league trophy, OH Leuven now sets its sights on making history in the Champions League. As the first Belgian side to participate in either the group or league phase, these debutants are also among the long-shot teams that could inspire a compelling narrative.
