As the UEFA Women’s Champions League (UWCL) kicks off, the excitement is palpable for what promises to be a thrilling group stage. Group B is stacked with talent, featuring seasoned powerhouses and rising stars from across Europe.
Chelsea FC: English Champions with Eyes on European Success
Chelsea have been the dominant force in English women’s football in recent years, winning an incredible five consecutive Women’s Super League titles. While they’ve come close to lifting the UWCL trophy—finishing as runners-up in 2021 and reaching the semi-finals in the last two seasons—they are still chasing that elusive European crown. This year, they’re as determined as ever to make it their own.
UEFA
Road to the Group Stages:
Chelsea breezed into the group stages by winning the 2023/24 Women’s Super League, automatically qualifying for the UWCL. With a new head coach, Sonia Bompastor, at the helm, the Blues are looking to build on their recent success and take that final step to European glory.
Players to Watch:
- Lauren James – A rising star known for her incredible dribbling and creativity.
- Catarina Macario – An exciting playmaker with a flair for unlocking defences.
- Lucy Bronze – A recent high-profile signing from Barcelona, adding experience and solidity to Chelsea’s backline.
Upcoming Matches:
- vs Real Madrid – Tuesday 8th October
- vs FC Twente – Thursday 17th October
- vs Celtic – Wednesday 13th November
Real Madrid: Spain’s Rising Giants on the European Stage
UEFA
Despite being a relatively new team in women’s football, formed in 2020, Real Madrid have quickly established themselves as a force to be reckoned with. After reaching the UWCL quarter-finals in their debut season, they’ve continued to grow stronger each year. With a squad full of talent, they’re hoping to make another deep run in Europe this season.
Road to the Group Stages:
Real Madrid earned their place in the group stages after finishing second in Liga F. They navigated a tricky Round 2 playoff against Sporting CP, winning 3-1 on aggregate to book their spot in Group B.
Players to Watch:
- Caroline Weir – A creative midfielder with an eye for a goal, Weir is one of Madrid’s standout players.
- Melanie Leupolz – Recently signed from Chelsea, Leupolz brings leadership and experience to the team.
- Teresa Abilleira – A talented young midfielder with a keen sense of vision and passing.
Upcoming Matches:
- vs Chelsea – Tuesday 8th October
- vs Celtic – Thursday 17th October
- vs FC Twente – Wednesday 13th November
FC Twente: Dutch Champions with European Ambitions
UEFA
FC Twente have been a dominant presence in Dutch women’s football for over a decade, winning the Eredivisie title nine times. They’ve also been regulars in the UWCL since 2011, bringing plenty of experience to the European stage. Twente are known for their strong youth development and exciting attacking football, making them a team to watch.
Road to the Group Stages:
Twente booked their spot in the UWCL group stages after clinching the 2023/24 Eredivisie title. They cruised through the qualification rounds, defeating Cardiff City and Valur before winning both legs against Osijek in Round 2 to reach Group B.
Players to Watch:
- Daniela Galic – A talented young midfielder, recently signed from Australia, who adds flair to Twente’s attack.
- Jaimy Ravensbergen – A promising forward for the Netherlands U-19 team with a bright future ahead.
- Danique van Ginkel – Twente’s captain and defensive leader, known for her composure at the back.
Upcoming Matches:
- vs Celtic – Tuesday 8th October
- vs Chelsea – Thursday 17th October
- vs Real Madrid – Wednesday 13th November
Celtic LFC: Scotland’s Newcomers Looking to Make a Statement
UEFA
Celtic have made waves in Scottish women’s football in recent years. Becoming Scotland’s first fully professional women’s team in 2020, they’ve been steadily growing and finally clinched their first Scottish Women’s Premier League (SWPL) title in 2023. Now, they’re making their UWCL group stage debut and are eager to show they belong on Europe’s biggest stage.
Road to the Group Stages:
Celtic’s journey to the group stages was hard-fought. They overcame Finland’s KuPS Kuopio and Lithuanian side Gintra before seeing off Ukrainian outfit Vorskla in Round 2 to secure their spot in the group stage for the first time in the club’s history.
Players to Watch:
- Kelly Clark – Celtic’s experienced captain, a commanding presence in defence.
- Amy Gallacher – The hero of their SWPL title win and Golden Boot runner-up last season.
- Caitlin Hayes – A two-time Celtic Player of the Year and key figure in the team’s defence.
Upcoming Matches:
- vs FC Twente – Tuesday 8th October
- vs Real Madrid – Thursday 17th October
- vs Chelsea – Wednesday 13th November
Watch every match of Group B and the UWCL, live and for free on DAZN. For more information on women's leagues from around the world on DAZN, click here.