Barcelona Begins UEFA Women’s Champions League Defense

Posted : 07 October 2024

Barcelona begins their defense of the UEFA Women's Champions League this Wednesday, aiming to secure a third consecutive title amidst Europe’s intensified efforts to counter the Catalan powerhouse. Last season, Barcelona showcased their dominance by triumphing over Lyon with a decisive 2-0 win in Bilbao, led by standout players Aitana Bonmati and Alexia Putellas, the latter a former Women’s Ballon d’Or winner. This victory marked another addition to Barcelona’s recent Champions League successes, as they have now claimed three titles in the past four years and appeared in five of the last six finals.

Significant shifts have occurred within the team’s structure, notably with former coach Jonatan Giraldez departing to manage Washington Spirit in the NWSL. His replacement, Pere Romeu, a familiar figure within the club, steps in with his debut match in the Champions League against Manchester City. According to sporting director Marc Vives, Romeu provides the continuity necessary to stabilize the club’s ongoing project. Barcelona has also bolstered their squad by signing Poland’s top scorer Ewa Pajor from Wolfsburg, while key players Bonmati and Putellas have extended their contracts, affirming their commitment to the club’s mission.

As Barcelona remains the team to beat, English clubs pose a formidable challenge, with Chelsea, Manchester City, and Arsenal all securing spots in the group stage. Chelsea, now under the leadership of Sonia Bompastor following Emma Hayes’ departure to the United States, brings a strengthened lineup featuring stars like Lucy Bronze, Sam Kerr, and Lauren James. Arsenal, meanwhile, faces a tough group featuring Bayern Munich and Juventus, and coach Jonas Eidevall has openly criticized the Women’s Super League schedule, suggesting it could hinder their European ambitions.

Meanwhile, perennial French champions Lyon, guided by new coach Joe Montemurro, aim to regain European supremacy. Their squad includes former Ballon d'Or winner Ada Hegerberg and American midfielder Lindsey Horan, alongside prolific Malawian striker Tabitha Chawinga. Lyon faces competition from Wolfsburg, Roma, and Galatasaray in their group. This season also marks the last of the current format, as UEFA plans to introduce an 18-team league stage next year, along with a secondary women’s competition starting in 2025, mirroring the men's evolving Champions League format.

Barcelona Begins UEFA Women’s Champions League Defense

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