The UEFA Women's Champions League Group Stage heats up with Groups C and D, featuring a mix of historic clubs, reigning champions, and fresh debutantes. As matchday 1 of the 2024/2025 season comes to a close, these exciting matches will leave fans eager for more top-tier women's football.
Bayern Munich vs Arsenal FC
One of the most anticipated games of Group C, as these two teams have a history in the competition, the last time they faced each other was in the 2022/2023 quarterfinals, with Arsenal coming on top of Bayern Munich, one win each in their shared pitch story.
They remain the only English club to win the competition, lifting the trophy in 2008. Arsenal is making a comeback to the Group Stage after failing to qualify last season, reinforcing their squad with new names, one of them the three times UWCL champions Mariona Caldetey, who adds depth and attack to the already impressive lineup the Gunners have presented in their last matches.
After finishing third in their group last season, Bayern Munich will look to redeem themselves, trying to get the first three points of their campaign to get to the next round of the competition. They have many players that become game changers, Danish legend Pernille Harder, in her second season with the Bavarians, is one of the leaders of their offensive line as she registered nine goals in the last Frauen-Bundesliga.
Vålerenga vs Juventus
A debut showdown awaits as Swedish side Vålerenga make their first-ever appearance in the UWCL, facing Italian giants Juventus, returning to the competition after a one-year absence, having missed the 2023/24 season.
Vålerenga will kick off their UWCL journey at the Vålerenga Stadion, aiming to start strong and secure their first points in Europe’s most prestigious competition. While this marks their debut in the group stages, they impressed in the qualification rounds, with Karina Sævik netting three goals so far. She’ll be eager to keep that momentum going and help her team to victory.
Juventus, back in the group stage after finishing as runners-up in Serie A, are ready to make their mark after a one-year absence. With standout performances in the qualifiers, including goals from Sofia Cantore and Barbara Bonansea, they’re poised to bring their brand of calcio back to the UWCL.
Hammarby vs St. Pölten
Two teams with unique stories begin a new chapter in the UWCL, as Stockholm’s own Hammarby make their group stage debut against Austrian regulars, St. Pölten.
Hammarby, renowned not only for their style of play but also for their passionate fanbase, set a record attendance of 12,062 in their Round 2 match. As they prepare to open the gates of Stockholm Arena, the local crowd will be behind them as they embark on their UWCL journey. Forward Julie Blakstad, who netted goals in both qualifying matches, will be key to their hopes of success.
St. Pölten, entering their third consecutive group stage, are eager to push beyond their previous campaigns. Despite falling short of advancing in recent seasons, they’ve showcased their growing quality in the qualification rounds. Kamila Dubcová stood out, scoring in three of four playoff games, proving why the Austrian side is becoming a consistent force in European football.
Manchester City vs FC Barcelona
A highly anticipated clash will close matchday 1, as reigning champions FC Barcelona travel to Manchester City, rekindling their 2020/2021 quarter-final encounter. In that memorable tie, both teams claimed a win in each leg, but Barcelona advanced on aggregate and went on to lift their first-ever UWCL title that season.
Manchester City return to the group stage after missing out in recent campaigns and are determined to prove why they’re becoming a European powerhouse. With reinforcements brought in over the last year, City are ready to compete at the highest level. Leading the charge is Khadija Shaw, the 2023/2024 WSL Golden Boot winner, who finished the season with 21 goals and netted twice in their playoff matches.
Defending champions and three-time UWCL winners, FC Barcelona, have continued their dominance since lifting the trophy, winning all their Liga F matches this season. Summer signing Ewa Pajor has added a lethal finishing touch to their attack, making an already formidable team even more complete. Barça are on a mission to defend their crown and aim to become only the second team in UWCL history to win three consecutive titles.
The match will also feature some familiar faces. Former Barcelona players Leila Ouahabi and Laia Aleixandri now line up for Manchester City, while ex-City players Keira Walsh and Ellie Roebuck will return to their old stomping grounds, this time donning the Blaugrana colours.
Schedule for matchday 1 of the UWCL on Wednesday, October 9th
FC Bayern München vs Arsenal FC
- Time: 18:45 CET / 12:45 ET / 17:45 BST
Hammarby IF vs SKN St. Pölten
- Time: 18:45 CET / 12:45 ET / 17:45 BST
Vålerenga vs Juventus FC
- Time: 21:00 CET / 15:00 ET / 20:00 BST
Manchester City vs FC Barcelona
- Time: 21:00 CET / 15:00 ET / 20:00 BST
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