Women’s Champions League

EMMA HAYES believes it is arrogant to suggest Europe’s best teams are not reaching the Women’s Champions League group stages. However the Chelsea boss believes the qualifying route needs to be looked at in terms of a possible group phase expansion and Europa league. 
Emma Hayes thinks a larger group stage similar to that in the men’s Champions League would be worth considering for the women’s contestCredit: Reuters
Hayes’ Chelsea side are the only English team left competing in the tournament this seasonCredit: Getty
Manchester United chief Marc Skinner believes there is scope for a “broader scale of teams” in the contestCredit: Getty
Hayes was sharing her thoughts amid recent debate concerning the qualifying process to enter the tournament’s group stage. 
Her comments’ follow remarks made by Manchester United boss Marc Skinner after his side were knocked out in round two of the qualifying phase by Paris Saint-Germain. 
On Wednesday after the game, the Red Devils chief said it was “crazy” his team had to face PSG in the qualifiers. 
He also talked of wanting to see “the best teams in the Champions League” group stage rather than a “spread of average” sides. 
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However the Man United later apologised for” any offence taken” in response to his comment while calling for “a broader scale of teams” in the competition.
Skinner said: “It’s easy to twist words, but if there was any offence taken then I am sorry for that. 
“My comment was much more about the breadth and quality.
“I believe now that there is a need for more teams to be in this competition and then we will see who is average and who is not. 
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“We might have been average in the group stage, we don’t know that? But we played a good team (in PSG).”
In terms of English clubs in this season’s contest only the current WSL title-holders (Chelsea) were guaranteed automatic entry to the group stage. 
Meanwhile United who finished second last season and Arsenal who finished third had to compete in qualifiers prior to this phase.  
Hayes said: “I don’t want to talk disrespectfully about any team in Europe, particularly knowing that we are a team that have lost to many teams in early rounds in our infancy as much as going out of a group stage two years ago. 
“I have way too much respect for the competition and teams across Europe to talk negatively about any of them.
“I think that’s ignorant and arrogant all at once. 
“Roma and Benfica are two teams who won their leagues.
“They deserve perhaps to go straight into a group competition. 
“But this isn’t about my opinion, this is what the format is and we have to play that.
“However, do we need to look at that? Absolutely we need to.
“Do we need to look at that in line with the growth of the women’s game to say, ‘well, actually, there’s a lot more investment across many leagues?
“And perhaps (whether) we should consider a format that’s similar to that of the men’s competition, where it’s group stages from the off but maybe larger?
“But also we have to look at the smaller nations – they deserve the opportunity and the right to be in it as much as any English team does.”
The Blues, who face Brighton at home in the WSL on Sunday, were among 16 teams involved in Friday’s group stage draw for the contest
They have been drawn in Group D alongside Real Madrid, BK Hacken and giant killers Paris FC who knocked out Arsenal and this year’s finalists Wolfsburg. 
Following the Gunners and United’s exits, Hayes side are the only English team left in this season’s tournament. 
The Blues gaffer added:  “We’ve been in the Champions League a long time to know that this is a really tough competition and we’ve got a lot to prepare for.
Chelsea have been drawn in Group D in the Women’s Champions League alongside Real Madrid (pictured), BK Hacken and Paris FCCredit: EPA
“Everybody is a good team so we respect all the opponents that we might face and we know Real Madrid is a top team.
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“(BK) Hacken is a top team performing really well and Paris FC have deservedly progressed into the group stage. 
“It (the contest) needs simplifying, it needs expanding. It needs a Europa League conversation. It needs all of those things.”
Women’s Champions League – Group stage teamsGROUP A
Barcelona
FC Rosengard
Benfica
Eintracht Frankfurt
GROUP B
Lyon
Slavia Praha
SKN St Polten
SK Brann
GROUP C
Bayern Munich
Paris Saint-Germain
AS Roma
Ajax
GROUP D
Chelsea
Real Madrid
BK Hacken
Paris FC More

MANCHESTER UNITED will face a potentially tricky test against Paris Saint-Germain in their first foray in the Women’s Champions League. The Red Devils and their French opponents are competing in round two of the qualifying stage of the contest.
Manchester United will face Paris Saint-Germain next month in a round two duel to qualify for the Champions League group stageCredit: Getty
PSG reached last year’s Women’s Champions League quarter-finals where they were knocked out by WolfsburgCredit: Getty
Melvine Malard has joined the Red Devils on loan from PSG’s rivals Lyon until the end of the 2023-24 seasonCredit: Reuters
This phase decides which 12 teams will go on to join the group stage alongside teams who have already qualified for this part. 
These competitors include WSL champs Chelsea, last term’s contest winners Barcelona and French and German title-holders Lyon and Bayern Munich.
United’s tie will see Marc Skinners’ aces go up against last year’s quarter-finalists at home on the 10th or 11th of October. 
Their away leg against PSG, who have reached the Champions League final on two occasions, will be played on October 18 or 19. 
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And the clash could see the club go up against ex-Red Devil Jackie Groenen in Europe for the first time since the midfielder’s move to PSG last September. 
United’s draw against Paris Saint-Germain comes on a day which saw the club unveil Melvine Malard as their last signing in this summer’s transfer window which closed at 11pm on Thursday. 
The France forward, 23, has joined Skinner’s side on loan from Lyon until the end of the 2023/24 season. 
Her arrival completes a busy transfer window for United as they aim to compete across all fronts after a second place finish in last term’s title race.
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This summer saw Alessia Russo, Vilde Boe Risa, Ona Batlle, Ivana Fuso and Martha Thomas among the players to leave the club. 
Their new arrivals included Wales international Gemma Evans, Brazil forward Geyse from Barcelona and Japan ace Hinata Miyazawa who won the Golden Boot at this year’s World Cup. 
Japan forward Hinata Miyazawa is among the international aces who have joined Man United this summerCredit: Getty
Other players who sealed United moves ahead of deadline day include former OL Reign goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce and ex-Everton defender Gabby George. 
And the club retained the services of England number one keeper Mary Earps despite a record bid from WSL rivals Arsenal. 
The Women’s World Cup Golden Glove winner, who has been nominated for a Fifa best goalkeeper award, has one year left on her current contract. More

LUCY BRONZE never doubted Barcelona could pull off a second-half fightback to stun Wolfsburg in the Women’s Champions League final.After a first-half fright they stormed to a 3-2 victory with the full-back lifting the contest trophy for a fourth time. 
Barcelona became Women’s Champions League winners for the second time following their triumph in 2021Credit: Getty
Lucy Bronze lifted the trophy for the fourth time in her career and became the first English woman to win it with two clubsCredit: Getty
Patri Guijarro netted twice in two minutes after Barcelona went 2-0 down against WolfsburgCredit: Getty
Keira Walsh described Guijarro as a special player after becoming a Champions League winner for the first time in her careerCredit: Getty
Patri Guijarro shone bagging a two-minute double with Barcelona thwarting Wolfsburg’s hopes of a hat-trick of final wins in the competition.
Their triumph led to Bronze becoming the first Englishwoman to lift the trophy with two different clubs following three previous victories with her former club Lyon. 
It also saw Keira Walsh win her first Champions League medal following her transfer record-breaking switch from Manchester City last September.   
Bronze said: “I don’t think we were ever worried about us scoring three goals, which is a crazy feat to do.

“But that’s the talent of this team. 
“You’ve seen the two finals Barcelona have lost where they’ve been heavily beaten by Lyon.
“Once it was two goals (down against us) we shut up shop. 
“We made it really difficult defensively and created loads of chances in attack.”
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Walsh added: “If there’s any team that can overturn a 2-0 deficit it’s this team and that’s what we did.
“Patri Guijarro is a special, special player, for me the best player in the world.
“It’s been a pretty good year, winning the Euros and the Champions League.
“If someone was to tell me this was going to happen I wouldn’t believe them.”
Coming into this game, Jonatan Giraldez’s team were considered the favourites having reached last year’s final brushing Wolfsburg aside in the semis. 
But they suffered a scare in the third minute with Bronze, back in action following knee surgery in April, dispossessed by Ewa Pajor. 
Seconds later the striker slammed the ball past goalkeeper Sandra Panos with Barcelona conceding a third minute goal – their earliest ever in the contest. 
Ewa Pajor and Alexandra Popp both netted minutes to give Wolfsburg a 2-0 lead by the 37th minuteCredit: AP
Stunned by that moment the Liga F champs looked to hit back immediately with Salma Paralluelo blazing over before Irena Paredes headed wide.  
After weathering pressure, with Lena Oberdorf making some brave blocks, Wolfsburg made some rare forays forward.
And they went 2-0 up against the run of play with Pajor teeing up Alexandra Popp’s headed finish near half time. 
The second spell saw Barcelona turn the game on its head with Guijarro’s two-minute brace. 
The midfielder fired home at the near post two minutes before heading in a 50th minute effort leaving their rivals shocked.
Fridolina Rolfo rifled a shot at Wolfsburg goalkeeper Merle Frohms moments later, with Pajor testing Panos in the 70th minute. 

And Wolfsburg’s dream start became a nightmare finish as Rolfo punished a defensive error to slam home a tournament-winning goal.
Her finish saw the LaLiga Women’s champs title holders become the queens of club football in Europe for the second time. 
Fridolina Rolfo fired home Barcelona’s third as they completed a second-half fightbackCredit: AP More

DOMINIQUE JANESSEN is relishing Wolfsburg being seen as the underdogs in their Champions League final clash with Barcelona. The Netherlands defender and her team-mates will battle their rivals on Saturday with their side aiming to win the contest for a third time.
Dominique Janssen and her side will face a tough test from Barcelona in the Women’s Champions League finalCredit: EPA
Lucy Bronze and her Barca team-mates won 29 of their 30 games in Spain’s top-flight this seasonCredit: Reuters
Saturday’s final could see Barcelona’s Keira Walsh lift the Champions League trophy for the first time in her careerCredit: Getty
In their previous encounters Wolfsburg have been the dominant side winning four of their past five matches. 
However their most recent meeting saw the Catalan side knock the German club out of last year’s semis which included a 5-1 first-leg demolition at Camp Nou.
Janessen said: “It’s something different and it’s good that we’re not always in the favourite role. 
“We’re comfortable right now. We just want to do the best we can and we’re going to try to give Barcelona the hardest time possible.
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“Barcelona are a pretty good team – tactical, technical – so it won’t be an easy game.
“We have a really good plan but we need to be 100% focused.”
The 3:00 pm duel at PSV Eindhoven’s stomping ground in the Netherlands is set to be watched by a sell-out 35,000-strong crowd. 
The use of Philips Stadion as the final’s venue brings back warm memories for Janssen who recalls watching her first professional game at the stadium. 
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Janssen, who made 100 Gunners appearances before her 2019 Wolfsburg switch, added: “This game is pretty special as I remember my first pro game I attended was at this stadium. 
“It is also very close for my family to come to, so it is one of the most important games in my career.
“The journey has been pretty amazing and tomorrow I hope we can celebrate.”
Wolfsburg’s clash with Barcelona will see Tommy Stroot’s side attempt to lift the trophy a decade on from winning it for the first time.
Janssen helped Arsenal to win their third WSL title in 2019 before joining WolfsburgCredit: Getty – Contributor
In 2013 they beat Lyon 1-0 in the decider at Stamford Bridge. 
Back then their contest-winning side featured Germany star Alexandra Popp.
The Wolfsburg captain is widely regarded as one of the best strikers in the world having netted 61 goals in 127 senior appearances for Germany.
The Frauen Bundesliga ace, 32,  has scored 16 goals in 21 top-flight games this season with her team pipped to an eighth top-flight crown by Bayern Munich. 
Popp said: “We always have gone quite far, and that shows the work in this club. 
Alexandra Popp is hoping Wolfsburg can win the Champions League ten year’s on from their first triumph in the contest finalCredit: Getty
“The way they build the squad every year is great and it shows how the coach and the team work together, how the football has developed. 
“”n 2013 we just played forward balls; now we play football, which is nice to see.
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“We are very well prepared for the game and it won’t be like the first leg last year (in the semi-finals).”
Barcelona vs. Wolfsburg in the Women’s Champions League final can be watched live from 3:00pm on Saturday 3 June DAZN’s YouTube channel. More

THE bulk of next term’s Women’s Champions League games will go behind a paywall according to sports streaming company DAZN. Viewers will be required to pay for 42 of the 61 matches in the contest with 19 fixtures remaining free to watch. 
Two thirds of Women’s Champions League matches aired by DAZN will go behind a paywall from next seasonCredit: Alamy
The final will be among the matches that will stay as free to view from next termCredit: Getty
Free-to-view games will include the final and one semi-final and two matches from the quarter-final stage.
The move comes two seasons into DAZN’s four-year agreement to exclusively air the Women’s Champions League fixtures. 
It also comes two years after Uefa introduced a 16-team group stage format with centralised streaming coverage via DAZN’s YouTube channel. 
DAZN’s global markets CEO Veronica Diquattro said: “We want to help the women’s game realise its potential, by reaching audiences and by developing its obvious commercial appeal to create a virtuous circle of investment, growth, raising standards and overall interest.”
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To date the contest’s fixtures have been watched in more than 230 countries with DAZN having 362,000 subscribers to its platform.
And last year’s final, which saw Lyon beat Barcelona 3-1 at the home of Juventus, was watched by 3.6million viewers.
This figure marked a 56 per cent increase on the audience that tuned in to watch Barcelona beat Chelsea 4-0  in the contest’s decider in 2021. 
Away from its online coverage this season’s competition has seen some record turnouts at knockout stage games.
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A crowd of 27,697 flocked to Stamford Bridge to watch Chelsea’s first-leg semis clash with Barcelona in April.
Arsenal’s clash with Wolfsburg at the Emirates was among the fixtures that attracted a record crowd this seasonCredit: Getty
The match set a new record for spectator numbers at a Women’s Champions League game in England before Arsenal’s clash with Wolfsburg at the Emirates. 
The Gunners’ semi-final second leg battle with the German giants a month later drew a crowd of 60,063 
The fixture saw them break the attendance record for a women’s club game in England.  More

ARSENAL will play more of their WSL fixtures at the Emirates next term following record attendances at some of their women’s games. The team will play five of their top-flight matches at the 60,000 capacity ground following the three they played there this season.
Arsenal hope to continue attracting large crowds to women’s games at the EmiratesCredit: Getty
The club are due to host five Women’s Super League games at the stadium next seasonCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Arsenal CEO Vinai Venkatesham says the club will continue to support sustainable growth in women’s footballCredit: Getty
Their announcement follows the Gunners setting a new attendance record for a women’s club match played on English soil. 
A total of 60,067 flocked to the Emirates to watch Jonas Eidevall’s side take on Wolfsburg in a Champions League semi-final on May 1
On that day Gunners fell to a 3-2 second-leg loss.
This term the club have sold more than 240,000 tickets to fans attending women’s matches at the stadium. 
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Arsenal chief executive Vinai Venkatesham said: “We’re delighted to confirm that our women’s first team will play five WSL games at Emirates Stadium next season.
“We’ve received fantastic support at Emirates Stadium this year, setting a new record attendance in the WSL and achieving a memorable sell-out for our recent UEFA Women’s Champions League semi-final against Wolfsburg earlier this month.”
“It’s wonderful to see the support for the team at Emirates Stadium, Meadow Park and on the road week in, week out.  
“This latest announcement ensures that as many supporters as possible can enjoy the matchday experience with us, as we continue to support the sustainable growth of women’s football.”
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This season hosted WSL clashes against Chelsea, Tottenham and Manchester United at the Emirates. 
More than 53,000 tickets were sold before their derby duel with Spurs in September and a crowd of more than 40,000 attended their clash with Man United last November . 
Meanwhile more than 46,000 fans turned out to watch their 1-1 draw with the Blues in January. 
This evening Arsenal will play Brighton away with the Gunners, who are fourth, aiming to keep pace with their title and top three rivals. 
A win would see them go level on points with third-placed Man City following the Citizens loss to Liverpool on Sunday. 
Jonas Eidevall insists his focus is on Arsenal’s results for the rest of this seasonCredit: Getty
Eidevall said: “I don’t care (about Manchester City’s results).
“We have four more games, we have to take one at a time and do our very best in every one of those games.
“If we do, we will finish as high as possible in the table.” More

LAURA WIENROITHER vowed to fight like hell to return to fitness after becoming the fourth Arsenal ace to suffer an ACL injury this term.The Austria defender, 24, was stretchered off during her side’s second-leg Champions League semis loss to Wolfsburg on Monday. 
Arsenal will be without Laura Wienroither’s services for the rest of this season after the defender sustained an ACL injuryCredit: Getty
Wienroither was stretchered off after landing awkwardly during Arsenal’s Champions League second-leg semi-final loss to WolfsburgCredit: Getty
Wienroither’s injury comes just under a month after Leah Williamson ruptured her knee ligament during Arsenal’s clash with Man UnitedCredit: Reuters
Earlier today the club confirmed the player is to undergo surgery and will be sidelined for an extended period. 
Wienroither landed akwardly whilst battling for the ball 18 mins into her second-half substitute appearance during Arsenal’s clash with Wolfsburg at the Emirates.
Following the update on her injury, Wienroither shared her reaction with her followers on Instagram, vowing to return to fitness as soon as she can. 
In a post published on Thursday, she wrote: “Trust in the timing of your life. Trust that life will show you the way.
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“I’m going to miss every single second of not being on the pitch with this special team. 
“I’m so proud to be a part of this group and to share experiences with these girls – on and off the pitch.
“Arsenal has become a family for me since I joined. 
“I’m so grateful for the people around me who support me every day and for the supporters who have backed us all the way this season.
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“I’ll fight like hell to return as soon as I’m ready to get back to following my dream in red and white. 
“This team is really special..I think we can all feel it. Until that time, I’m Arsenal and Austria’s biggest fan.”
Wienroither’s absence will come as a major blow to Jonas Eidevall’s side as they continue their push for the title and a top three finish in the final stretch of the season. 
The Gunners, who play Leicester in the league on Friday, are currently without the services of Leah Williamson, Beth Mead and Vivianne Miedema. 
The trio suffered the same injury as Wienroither with Williamson to miss this year’s World Cup after rupturing her ACL during Arsenal’s loss to Man United in April. 
Arsenal will be aiming to gain ground on their WSL title rivals when they host Leicester on FridayCredit: Getty
The Gunners are currently fourth and five points behind third-placed Chelsea.
Both sides have two games in hand on leaders United and Man City who are second. 
And Eidevall’s players will hope to use that advantage to finish in the top three and qualify for next term’s Champions League. More