Introduction to the UCL Women’s Season
The biggest change in the women’s Champions League this season is the arrival of the league format. The big phase of the league, in which the men have been running for two seasons, will now move into the women’s edition, with the 18 teams playing six different teams against six. The four best teams reach the quarter-finals, while the teams that compete against each other between the fifth and the 12th place in a two-legged playoff against the right to reach the quarter-finals. The teams that are 13 to 18 years old are eliminated.
The European Cup
The most important thing is perhaps the arrival of a new competition in women’s play this season – The European Cup. The competition offers a second chance for teams that have lost in qualifying the Champions League, but also open the game for a number of other women’s teams. The Europa Cup will be a direct Knockout tournament and will play with the Champions League at the same time. After two qualification rounds, the tournament rolls with the 16th round, for which the draw is on October 17th. All games, including the final, are played over two legs.
Incentives and Opportunities
Apart from the incentive to win a trophy, there is also the possibility to get a shortcut in the Champions League the following season. The winners of the Europa Cup automatically have a place in the third qualification for the Champions League – Only one round from the league. Although this season has one of the best domestic leagues and national teams, there will be no Swedish team in the Champions League for the first time this season after all three of Hack, Hammarby and Roengard had left qualifying.
German Teams’ Chances
Due to their history, Wolfsburg always wants their chances in Europe, but this season they are not one of the favorites in the competition. Head coach Stephen Lerch returns to a second person in Hoffenheim after the time in Hoffenheim and after four years under the former coach Tommy Stroot characterizes a significant change. The promising goalkeeper Stina Johannes joined by Frankfurt, as did defenders Sophia Kleinhernen, but many of the hopes land on the shoulders of the aspiring star Cora Zicai.
Bayern Munich’s Ambitions
After three direct Bundesliga titles, Bayern Munich are now the dominant force in women’s football in Germany and they would like to show that they can be a similar force in Europe. Barcelona is the team you can beat, but Bavaria wants the chance. Giulia Gwinn has returned from a long-term injury that she kept out of most Euro 2025, and this team is ready to run. With the 20-year-old Momoko Tanikawa and 18-year-old Alara Sehitler, who develop into strong midfielder and Klara Bühlen and Lea Schüller, who cement themselves as the present and future of Germany, Bavaria have the good reason to assume that they can challenge.
Key Players to Watch
Beyond Aitana Bonmati, Alessia Russo and Melchie Dumornay, there is a number of aspiring players in the competition this season that you are looking for. Sarah Mattner will hope to make the best of her chance on the big stage, since the 22-year-old striker wants to cause astimate over the Austrian side of St. Pölten. Mattner was born in Vienna, but played for the Germany’s youth teams and has a sharp goal. The Cora Zica mentioned above will keep an eye on another, as will the 21-year-old Paris FC right back Melween N’Dongala.
Key Dates
The league phase begins on October 7th. Bayern Munich travels to Barcelona and Wolfsburg, who organize Paris Saint-Germain. Five games will follow, including the Bayern presenter of the defending champion Arsenal (November 12) and Wolfsburg, who play Manchester United (November 19), with the league completed on December 17th. The playoffs will take place in February (11-12 and 18-19) before the quarter-finals are switched on in March (24-25) and in early April (1-2). The semi-finals will be held in April (25-26) and in early May (2-3) before the final in Oslo. The date still has to be confirmed, but it will be either on May 22nd, 23rd or 24.
