UEFA Women's Champions League Quarterfinals: Key Matches and Storylines The 2025-26 UEFA Women’s Champions League enters its quarterfinal phase with high-stakes second-leg matches set to unfold on Wednesday and Thursday. The four ties feature domestic rivals, historic clashes, and opportunities for upsets as teams aim to advance to the semifinals. The second legs will be broadcast live on Paramount+ and CBS Sports Network, with comprehensive coverage including pre-match analysis, studio commentary, and post-match recaps. The first-leg results have set the stage for dramatic comebacks or decisive victories. Arsenal, leading 3-1 over Chelsea, will host the Gunners in a rematch that could determine their path to the semifinals. Meanwhile, Wolfsburg hold a narrow 1-0 advantage against OL Lyonnes, the eight-time Champions League winners, while Manchester United, making their debut in the competition, trail Bayern Munich 3-2. FC Barcelona, having defeated Real Madrid 6-2 in the first leg, now face the challenge of maintaining their momentum against their La Liga rivals. The second-leg schedule includes matches starting at 1:45 p.m. and 3 p.m. Eastern Time. Bayern Munich will face Manchester United, a team hoping to overcome a 3-2 deficit and make history as the first English club to reach the semifinals. Chelsea and Arsenal’s clash, a domestic rivalry intensified by their Champions League campaign, will be a focal point for U.S. women’s national team fans. Chelsea’s Naomi Girma and Alyssa Thompson will face Arsenal’s Emily Fox, with both sides vying for a crucial win. Barcelona’s path to the semifinals appears more straightforward, as they hold a 6-2 first-leg advantage and enjoy home-field support at Camp Nou.#arsenal #paramount_plus #chelsea #uefa_womens_champions_league #cbs_sports_network
Lyon's Hunger for Champions League Glory Remains Unquenched Despite Quarter-Final Setback Lyon, the French football giants, are still driven by an unyielding desire to reclaim their place at the top of the UEFA Women’s Champions League, according to Jule Brand, a key player in the squad. Despite trailing Wolfsburg 1-0 in their quarter-final tie, the team remains focused on turning the deficit into a victory. Brand, who recently joined Lyon from Wolfsburg, emphasized the club’s relentless pursuit of success. “When I started, I saw that all the players had won so many titles before, and they still have the hunger to win every title again,” she said, reflecting on the team’s mindset. Lyon’s history in the Champions League is marked by dominance. The club has secured a record eight titles, including five consecutive victories from 2015-16 to 2019-20. However, their recent campaign has been marred by setbacks. Since their last title in the 2021-22 season, Lyon has reached the final in 2024, where they fell to Barcelona, and was eliminated in the semi-finals the following year by Arsenal, the eventual champions. This season, Lyon finished second in their group stage, showcasing their strength but also highlighting the challenges they face in the knockout rounds. The current quarter-final against Wolfsburg has tested Lyon’s resolve. After a 1-0 first-leg loss, the team now faces the daunting task of overturning the aggregate deficit. This marks only the third time in Lyon’s history that they have entered a Champions League second leg trailing on aggregate, despite participating in 53 such ties. Brand, who has faced her former club in this match, praised the team’s determination. “I see this in training, where the standards are so high, and it makes me push myself and adapt to get to their level,” she said.#lyon #uefa_womens_champions_league #jule_brand #wolfsburg #jonatan_giraldez
UEFA Women’s Champions League Quarter-Final Lineups Confirmed: OL Lyonnes vs. VfL Wolfsburg The UEFA Women’s Champions League quarter-final tie between OL Lyonnes and VfL Wolfsburg has been finalized, with the return leg set to take place at Parc Olympique Lyonnais. The first leg, hosted by Wolfsburg Frauen at their Volkswagen Arena, concluded with a 1-0 victory for Stephan Lerch’s side, thanks to a solitary goal from Lineth Beerensteyn. The second leg will now determine which team advances to the semifinals. The confirmed lineups for the decisive match at Parc Olympique Lyonnais have been released. OL Lyonnes, managed by Ange Postecoglou, will field a lineup featuring key players such as Wendie Renard, Ada Hegerberg, and Caroline Diani. Goalkeeper Sarah Endler starts in goal, with defenders Renard and Engen anchoring the backline. Midfielders Shrader, Lilly Yohannes, and Heaps will provide creative support, while forwards Brand, Hegerberg, and Diani form the attacking trio. Wolfsburg Frauen, led by coach Stephan Lerch, have opted for a balanced approach in their lineup. Goalkeeper Laura Johannes begins in goal, supported by defenders Minge, Dijkstra, and Küver. Midfielders Linder, Peddemors, Kielland, and Bjelde will control the tempo, while forwards Huth, Endemann, and Beerensteyn spearhead the attack. Beerensteyn, who scored the decisive goal in the first leg, is expected to play a pivotal role in the return leg. The match represents a critical juncture for both teams in the competition. OL Lyonnes, the reigning champions, will aim to secure a place in the semifinals and continue their dominance in European football. Wolfsburg Frauen, seeking to build on their first-leg success, will look to capitalize on their home advantage and the momentum from their victory.#vfl_wolfsburg #uefa_womens_champions_league #ol_lyonnes #parc_olympique_lyonnais #volkswagen_arena
UEFA Women's Champions League Quarterfinal Predictions: Real Madrid vs. Barcelona, Arsenal vs. Chelsea The UEFA Women’s Champions League quarterfinals kick off Saturday, with the last eight teams vying for a spot in the final in Oslo on May 23. The matchups feature a historic Clásico between Real Madrid and Barcelona, an all-English clash between Arsenal and Chelsea, and a showdown between Wolfsburg and OL Lyonnes. Analysts and former players have weighed in on the potential outcomes, highlighting key players and tactical challenges. The Arsenal vs. Chelsea tie marks the first-ever meeting between two English clubs in the Women’s Champions League, adding extra intrigue. Both teams are domestic powerhouses, but their paths to the final are complicated. Chelsea, having won six consecutive Women’s Super League titles, face an uphill battle against Arsenal, who have yet to secure the Champions League trophy despite their 2006-07 victory. The match will be a two-leg affair, with both sides needing to balance their European ambitions against domestic commitments. Chelsea’s Lauren James, returning from injury, is expected to be a focal point for the Blues. Her ability to finish冷静ly could pose a significant threat to Arsenal, who will rely on Mariona Caldentey to neutralize her. Caldentey’s role as a midfielder will be critical in controlling the tempo of the game, while Arsenal’s attacking threat could disrupt Chelsea’s defensive structure. However, Chelsea’s injury concerns, including potential absences due to the Women’s Asian Cup, may test their depth. Analyst Emily Keogh predicts Chelsea to advance, citing their tactical flexibility and depth. The Real Madrid vs. Barcelona Clásico is another high-stakes encounter.#arsenal #real_madrid #barcelona #chelsea #uefa_womens_champions_league
