All Roads Lead To Lisbon

With just 60 days to go till the UEFA Women’s Champions League Final in Lisbon, the top teams in Europe are fighting for a place in the prestigious showdown.

Eight teams remain in the competition, all battling to compete for glory and to etch their names into the history books. Can Barcelona retain their championship? Will Lyon pick up the trophy for a record breaking ninth time? Or will Chelsea finally pick up their first European title with Sonia Bompastor at the helm?

Which teams remain?

The quarter finals are well underway and only eight teams remain in the competition. These include reigning champions Barcelona, along with Lyon, Bayern Munich, Wolfsburg, Arsenal, Real Madrid, Chelsea, and Manchester City. All eight of these teams are battling it out to secure a spot in the final in Lisbon on May 24th.

Barcelona v Wolfsburg

The first leg saw Barcelona dominating German side VFL Wolfsburg in an impressive 4-1 victory. This was their first meeting since the 2023 UWCL final where Barcelona defeated the German side in an impressive 3-2 comeback in Eindhoven.

Head Coach Pere Romeu made several changes to the Barcelona lineup, bringing in Caroline Graham Hansen and Salma Paralluelo into the attack. Aitana Bonmatí, Patri Guijarro and Alexia Putellas made up the midfield. Irene Paredes and Esmee Brugts replaced Marta Torrejón and Fridolina Rolfö, completing the lineup. Ewa Pajor returned to Wolfsburg for the first time since leaving to join Barcelona in the summer of 2024.

Barcelona dominated the ball throughout the first half. The team had multiple shots on target that were saved by Wolfsburg keeper Anneke Borbe. The scoreline opened following a deflected own goal by Wolfsburg defender Caitlin Dijkstra. 1-0 to Barcelona.

Barcelona came into the second half continuing their dominating performance. Their attempts on goal were fruitful and they were rewarded with two quick goals by Irene Paredes and Salma Paralluelo.

Youngster Sydney Schertenleib scored an impressive goal in the 88th minute, guaranteeing Barça’s victory. The Swiss international has been a key member of the squad and is quickly cementing herself as one of the best young talents in the world.

The first leg ended in a 4-1 victory for Barcelona, who aim to increase this lead in the return fixture and guarantee a spot in the semi finals, on their way to the final in Lisbon.

Lyon v Bayern Munich

French giants Lyon clashed against German league leaders Bayern Munich. Both teams have been dominating their respective domestic leagues and this fixture was sure to produce some impressive football.

The fixture marked the return of Bayern goalkeeper Mala Grohs who had stepped away indefinitely from football following her cancer diagnosis and surgery in December. The German international was welcomed back by fans and put on an impressive display in her first game back, making key saves to keep Bayern in the game.

Ultimately, Lyon dominated the game and goals from Tabitha Chawinga and Melchie Dumornay secured them the victory. Bayern had a total of twelve shots during the game, with only one on target. The absence of Georgia Stanway in the midfield has hindered the performance of the team in games against dominant teams like Lyon and Arsenal in the UWCL. Stanway has been sidelined after tearing her lateral collateral ligament in January, potentially ruling her out of the England squad in the upcoming European Championship this summer in Switzerland.

Bayern have a great task at hand to overcome the deficit, if they want to progress to the semi finals. They take on Lyon in the second leg this Wednesday in France.

Manchester City v Chelsea

Manchester City and Chelsea met in their second of four consecutive fixtures against each other. This marked City’s first European game under interim head coach Nick Cushing, following the departure of Gareth Taylor. Cushing previously managed City between 2013 and 2020 before leaving to manage MLS side New York City FC.

Manchester City has lost key players this season, with Lauren Hemp, Bunny Shaw and Alex Greenwood out with injury. Chelsea appeared to be the dominant force heading into the game with Lauren James and Mayra Ramirez as strong attacking options. Naomi Girma was absent from the squad after suffering an injury in a league game against Brighton.

While Chelsea dominated the ball from the opening whistle, they were unable to capitalise. Multiple shots on goal from both sides but both Hannah Hampton and Ayaka Yamashita kept their teams in the game. Vivianne Miedema was substituted on for youngster Lily Murphy in the second half and the tide shifted in City’s favor. Miedema made an instant impact scoring two goals in the second half to give City the advantage heading into the second leg.

Real Madrid v Arsenal

Arsenal and Real Madrid faced off at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano. The match received criticism due to the pitch conditions. A waterlogged pitch which made it difficult for the players to maintain control over the ball. Both teams adapted despite the poor conditions, but Arsenal struggled to maintain their momentum. Linda Caicedo capitalised off a defensive mistake by Arsenal, sending Madrid into the lead. Madrid maintained their solidity and a late goal from Athenea Del Castillo doubled their lead. The Spanish side now hold the advantage heading into the second leg. A poor display from Arsenal, who managed only one shot on target in thirteen attempts. This fixture marked Arsenal’s first loss in Europe this season under new head coach Renée Slegers.

Arsenal now have a chance to come back against Madrid at home in North London. Under the bright lights of the Emirates, will Arsenal be able to overcome the deficit and secure a place in the semi finals? The second leg is scheduled for the 26th of March and is one of Arsenal’s last chances at securing silverware this season, following their exit from the Subway League Cup and the FA Cup. They currently sit eight points behind league leaders Chelsea in the WSL.

How things stand going into the second leg

The remaining teams are all on the hunt for a spot in the final in Lisbon, but only two teams will be able to get there. Who will be crowned European Champions in 2025?