The lights, the stadiums, the chants, the anthem, and more. The UWCL is officially back in action, with fans all around the world tuning in to watch the first match day for the 2024/2025 season of the most important club football competition in Europe.
Lyon vs Galatasaray
The eight-time European Champions and current runner-up Olympique Lyonnais will kick off this UWCL season against a new opponent, Turkish side Galatasaray at the Groupama Stadium. This will be the first time these two teams face each other, Lyon getting a direct spot in the Group Stage as French Champions and runner-ups of the 2023/2024 season, Galatasaray qualifying as Turkish Champions for the first time in their history, as well as the first team from the country to do so.
Lyon’s squad is full of women’s football legends who have written their chapters of the sport. 2023/2024 Golden Boot Kiadidatou Diani will be one fans will want to keep an eye on to see if she can repeat last season's goals quest. UWCL top goal scorer Ada Hegerberg is back to the squad after suffering an injury, ready to keep adding goals to her name.
Although a new team in the competition, Galatasaray have many stars in their roster, Colombian captain Catalina Usme, their summer top signing, will be ready to help the team start their first European season.
Roma vs VfL Wolfsburg
Italy’s rising powerhouse AS Roma will welcome two-time UWCL champions VfL Wolfsburg at the Stadio Tre Fontane, one of the most exciting matches of the day. This will be the third time these two squads share the pitch, the second time they share a group at the earliest stage in the competition, the Germans having one 4-2 win over the Italians in their latest encounter in 2022 They also share a 1-1 tie, happening in Matchday 3 of the same season.
Alex Popp is back to lead the Wolves into another European season, looking to help her team by putting the ball in the back of the net as many times as possible as one of the most effective forwards. Manuela Giugliano, Serie A MVP, will be key for AS Roma to dominate the game, aiming to get their first win against the two-time champions.
Celtic vs FC Twente
A first-time match, as both teams are looking to make their Grup Stage debut when they take the pitch at the New Douglas Park in Hamilton, the first time a UWLC match will take place in Scotland.
Celtic FC will write history in Scottish women’s football as their first representatives to reach the UWCL Group Stage, getting through Round 1 and Round 2 of the qualification stage with flying colours, having a game changer in Amy Gallacher, who gave them their National title, as well as finishing the Scottish Women’s Premier League as Golden Boot runner-up.
New to the Group Stage but not part of the biggest stage in women’s European football, FC Twente will make their debut in the Group Stage after being a constant presence in the qualification round in the past seasons. After coming on top in their Round 1 and Round 2 matches, the Netherlands Champions will be led by captain Danique Van Ginkel in their most recent club adventure.
Chelsea vs Real Madrid
Stamford Bridge will open its doors to the most anticipated game of Matchday 1, English Champions Chelsea FC welcoming Liga F runner-ups Real Madrid, meeting in the Group Stage for the third straight year, the Blues having a positive overall record of two wins, as well as two draws, in the four games they have player each other.,
With a home-winning record, getting the victory in their last two games as hosts against Real Madrid, Chelsea FC is looking to start their 2024/2025 campaign with a win, their offensive line being one of the most lethal in Europe, Mayra Ramirez and Lauren James being two of the biggest names that will help the five-time English Champions to start the goal count.
Real Madrid is no stranger to facing some of the biggest names in Europe, as they have made themselves present in every season they have played a part in the competition. After suffering an injury that kept her away from the pitch last season, game-changer Caroline Weir is back to lead the Spanish team to break a strike and get a new win to their names. Summer signing Melanie Leupolz will be facing her former team, Chelsea, and her insights could prove valuable for Real Madrid as they take on the English club.
Schedule for matchday 1 of the UWCL on Tuesday, October 8th
Set your alarms, and get your popcorn and snacks ready for an evening of matchday lights under the stars.
AS Roma vs VfL Wolfsburg
- Time: 18:45 CET / 12:45 ET / 17:45 BST
Olympique Lyonnais vs Galatasaray A.Ş.
- Time: 18:45 CET / 12:45 ET / 17:45 BST
Celtic FC vs FC Twente
- Time: 21:00 CET / 15:00 ET / 20:00 BST
Chelsea FC vs Real Madrid CF
- Time: 21:00 CET / 15:00 ET / 20:00 BST
Watch every match of the UWCL, live and for free on DAZN. For more information on women's leagues from around the world on DAZN, click here.