The UEFA Women’s Champions League enters a historic new phase this week as eight teams battle in the inaugural knockout play-offs for a spot in the quarter-finals.
The UEFA Women’s Champions League resumes Wednesday with a high-stakes play-off round, a first under the competition’s revamped format.
Reigning champions Arsenal travel to face Belgian debutants OH Leuven, a side they comfortably defeated 3-0 during the league phase.
The Gunners, bolstered by the return of Chloe Kelly, aim to secure a quarter-final clash against domestic rivals Chelsea.
Real Madrid and Paris FC also renew their rivalry following a tense 1-1 draw in December.
Meanwhile, Manchester United enters uncharted territory on Thursday, traveling to Madrid to face Atlético.
United boss Marc Skinner expressed pride in his team’s debut knockout progression, noting that a victory over the Spanish side would set up a heavyweight last-eight encounter against German giants Bayern Munich.
In the final bracket, two-time champions Wolfsburg host Juventus in what experts predict will be the round’s most evenly matched contest.
With top scorers Pernille Harder and Evelyne Viens leading the race on five goals each, the stakes remain incredibly high.
The aggregate winners will join Barcelona, Lyon, Chelsea, and Bayern in the quarter-finals, with second-leg fixtures scheduled for February 18 and 19.