As the pinnacle of European club football gears up again, the UEFA Women's Champions League (UWCL) unveils its third season of a riveting 16-team group stage.
Following nail-biting qualifying matches, the spotlight turns to the dynamic 16 teams poised to leave their mark on the group stages.
Here's everything you need to know about Group A.
FC Barcelona
As the reigning champions and two-time UWCL victors, FC Barcelona needs no introduction. The memory of Patri Guijarro's two-minute brace in the thrilling final last season lingers, solidifying their status as a force to be reckoned with.
Boasting two Ballon d'Or winners, the Blaugrana squad is a powerhouse featuring some of the finest players globally. The recent additions of talents like Ona Batlle and Esmee Brugts only enhance the squad's formidable prowess.
Drawn into Group A alongside SL Benfica, Rosengard, and Eintracht Frankfurt, Barcelona seems poised to dominate, given their undefeated record against Group A rivals in the UWCL. However, the encounter with Eintracht Frankfurt adds an intriguing layer, as the two sides have never crossed paths, setting the stage for an unpredictable yet enthralling showdown.
Eintracht Frankfurt
The four-time champions, Eintracht Frankfurt, are set to grace the UWCL stage once again.
Following a commendable third-place finish in the Frauen Bundesliga last season, Frankfurt secured their spot in the group stages via the league path. However, their journey to this stage was far from straightforward, marked by a thrilling encounter against Juventus in the Group 2 match, where they emerged victorious in a penalty shootout. They continued their march by convincingly overcoming Sparta Praha in Round 2.
After having contested 78 matches in the history of the UWCL, Eintracht Frankfurt's return this year sparks curiosity. The competition in Group A is bound to be fierce, with the second-place spot up for grabs.
Key players to watch include Laura Freigang and Lara Prasnikar who are expected to make significant impacts.
SL Benfica
The Portuguese giants, Benfica, are gearing up for another thrilling UWCL campaign. Their journey through the qualifying stages was nothing short of impressive, facing off against Cliftonville, SFK Riga, and Apollon with ease. Now, drawn once again into the familiar group alongside powerhouses Barcelona and Rosengard, Benfica aims to leverage their past game experiences against these formidable opponents.
Having successfully navigated the qualifying rounds, Benfica sets its sights on the coveted second-place spot in the group. With an eye on advancement, the Portuguese side is poised to bring their A-game to the pitch, hoping to capitalise on their familiarity with Barcelona and Rosengard. As they embark on this UWCL adventure, all eyes are on Benfica as they strive for success in the pursuit of that crucial second-place position.
Benfica is a team to watch, with standout players like Jessica Silva and Kika Nazareth expected to lead the charge for the crucial runner-up spot in their group.
FC Rosengard
The Swedish Champions, Rosengard, are set to embark on their 12th UWCL campaign, bringing a legacy of excellence to the competition. In the qualifying stages, they faced a nail-biting first-leg match in Round 2, only to deliver an impressive comeback in the second leg against Spartak Subotica.
Rosengard, however, faces a unique challenge, having concluded their season in September. While this might pose a disadvantage compared to other teams in the tournament, underestimating them would be a grave mistake. Rosengard has a history of defying expectations and causing upsets.
Be on the lookout for players like Olivia Schough and Swedish veteran Caroline Seger.
Watch every match of the UEFA Women's Champions League on DAZN.