The UEFA Women’s Champions League resumes this week with the knockout phase playoffs, featuring a compelling mix of established contenders and rising challengers. Among the intriguing matchups is Arsenal’s attempt to defend their title, while several teams embark on their first significant European campaigns.
Arsenal will face OH Leuven, a team that has quickly become a Cinderella story in their debut Champions League season. Leuven navigated the league phase undefeated against a competitive field, demonstrating their ability to challenge established European teams. However, the true test will be against a side of Arsenal’s caliber, particularly given the Gunners’ recent resurgence.
Manchester United also returns to action, taking on Atletico Madrid in a tie that will gauge their progress this season. Wolfsburg will face Juventus, and Real Madrid will clash with Paris FC, rounding out the playoff fixtures.
The winners of these ties will advance to face Barcelona, OL Lyonnes, Chelsea, and Bayern Munich in the quarterfinals, having secured direct qualification to the final eight with top finishes in the league phase.
How to Watch
Fans can catch all the action on Paramount+ and CBS Sports Network, which will simulcast all coverage. Coverage begins with a pre-match show before the early matches, with studio analysis continuing between games and concluding with a post-match recap on Wednesday and Thursday.
Storylines for the Knockout Phase Playoffs
Arsenal’s Turnaround: The reigning European champions experienced a slow start to the season, missing out on automatic qualification for the Champions League quarterfinals and currently sitting outside the top three in the Women’s Super League. However, recent form suggests a potential turnaround. They have only one loss in their last 14 matches, including a victory in the inaugural FIFA Women’s Champions Cup, as well as impressive wins over Chelsea and Manchester City. This momentum could be crucial as the European season reaches its critical stage.
Their opponent, OH Leuven, has been a revelation, reaching the knockouts in their first Champions League season. While they went unbeaten against Paris FC, Twente, Roma, and Paris Saint-Germain, their losses to Barcelona and Arsenal on Matchday 6 suggest a gap in quality remains.
Manchester United’s Ascent: Since their founding in 2018, Manchester United has steadily climbed the ranks of women’s football. They currently sit second in the WSL, eight points behind Manchester City, and qualified for the Champions League knockouts with a strong performance in the league phase. Their tie against Atletico Madrid will be a significant test of their progress.
United secured a 1-0 win over Atletico Madrid on Matchday 2, thanks to a goal from Fridolina Rolfo. However, United’s attacking unit has struggled for goals, scoring only seven times during the league phase. Goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce will be vital. Atletico Madrid boasts Spain international Fiamma Benitez, who has four goals in the UWCL this season. Atletico also has experience on their side, having won four of their last five two-legged ties in UEFA competition, while United has a 1-1 record, highlighting their relative inexperience at this level.
