The 2025/26 UWCL has reached its decisive phase, with the final eight clubs poised to battle for European supremacy. After an enthralling league stage and high-stakes knockout ties, the quarter-finals promise a captivating mix of established giants and ambitious newcomers.
Our football writer, Amara Obah, steps through the key storylines and surprises as Europe’s elite prepare for the next stage.
League Phase Highlights
The UWCL league phase showcased Europe’s finest at their peak. FC Barcelona Femení topped their group with 16 points (5W, 1D) and a +17 goal difference, highlighted by a 7–1 thrashing of Bayern München. Barcelona, now a global powerhouse, have reached five finals in six seasons and claimed three UWCL titles (2021, 2023, 2024), pioneering as the first Spanish team to lift the trophy.
Hot on their heels, Olympique Lyonnais Féminin also finished on 16 points, remaining unbeaten and conceding just five goals. Lyon, the most decorated club in women’s football with eight UWCL titles (2011, 2012, 2016–2020, 2022) and 17 quarter-final appearances, continue to set the benchmark for consistency and professional excellence.
Chelsea F.C. Women secured third place with 14 points and 20 goals, remaining unbeaten under Sonia Bompastor, who brings UWCL-winning experience from Lyon. Dominant domestically with five consecutive WSL titles, Chelsea are aiming to translate that success to Europe.
Meanwhile, FC Bayern München Frauen claimed fourth with 13 points, rebounding from an early defeat to finish the group stage on a five-game unbeaten streak. Though missing out on silverware, Bayern’s blend of experience and emerging talent makes them a consistent contender.
Playoff Highlights:
Arsenal Women, defending champions, overcame OH Leuven Women by 7–1 on aggregate to reach a record-tying 17th quarter-final. Frida Maanum, Olivia Smith, and Alessia Russo shone, with Russo marking her 50th club goal. Arsenal will meet London rivals Chelsea in an all-capital clash.
Staging a stunning comeback, VfL Wolfsburg Frauen overturned a 2–0 first-leg deficit to beat Juventus Women 4–2 on aggregate. Late goals and decisive counters in Turin secured their 13th quarter-final in 14 seasons. The She-Wolves, two-time UWCL winners (2013, 2014), now face Lyon.
Real Madrid Femenino confirmed their rapid rise on the continental stage with a 5–2 aggregate triumph over Paris FC. Goals from Caroline Weir, Athenea del Castillo, Linda Caicedo, and Naomie Feller propelled the club to their third quarter-final since their 2020 launch, setting up a marquee Clásico against Barcelona.
Manchester United Women made history with a 5–0 aggregate win over Atlético Madrid, qualifying for their first UWCL quarter-final. Julia Zigiotti Olme and Jess Park were on target, while Maya Le Tissier anchored a rock-solid defence, signalling the club’s emergence among Europe’s elite since its 2018 reformation.
Quarter-final Fixtures
FC Barcelona Femení vs Real Madrid Femenino
Spain’s Clásico headlines the quarter-finals. Barcelona, with three UWCL titles and 12 quarter-final appearances, face a rapidly rising Real Madrid, who have reached the final eight in three of their five seasons. Experience meets ambition in what promises to be a tactical and thrilling encounter.
Olympique Lyonnais Féminin vs VfL Wolfsburg Frauen
Eight-time champions Lyon, with 17 quarter-finals under their belt, take on Wolfsburg, 13-time quarter-finalists and two-time winners. Both sides bring immense European pedigree, setting up a clash defined by experience, mental toughness, and the ability to deliver under pressure.
Arsenal Women vs Chelsea F.C. Women
London rivals Arsenal and Chelsea meet in a battle of domestic dominance and European ambition. Arsenal, the defending champions, have 17 quarter-finals and two titles (2007, 2025), while Chelsea have seven quarter-finals and reached that 2021 final, but are still chasing their first UWCL trophy. Tactics, rivalry, and history promise a compelling showdown.
FC Bayern München Frauen vs Manchester United Women
Bayern, eight-time quarter-finalists with two semi-final appearances, face first-time quarter-finalists Manchester United. This David vs Goliath clash contrasts experience with ambition and momentum, promising high drama and a potentially historic upset.
From Barcelona and Lyon’s dominance to Manchester United’s breakthrough and Real Madrid’s rapid rise, Europe’s finest are ready to battle for a semi-final spot. Fans can expect rivalries renewed, new stories written, and a thrilling journey towards the final.
