UEFA Women’s Champions League Transition for the 2025-26 Season
A new phase starts in the UEFA Women’s Champions League as the 2025-26 season wraps up its league matches. All 18 participating teams faced off on Wednesday, leading to a thrilling and uncertain atmosphere with multiple matches starting at the same time; however, final outcomes remained undecided until the last whistle blew.
With the league stage concluded, the tournament advances to the knockout phase where eight teams will vie for the final four quarter-final slots. Of the 18 teams that entered the league phase, 12 are still in contention. A draw on Thursday will set the matchups for these knockout battles scheduled for February.
Section 6 Match Results
- Juventus 0, Real Madrid 1
- PSG 1, Benfica 1
- Roma 6, St. Polten 1
- Bayern Munich 3, Ballerenga 0
- FC Twente 1, Real Madrid 1
- OH Leuven 0, Arsenal 3
- Paris FC 0, Barcelona 2
- OL Lyon 4, Atletico Madrid 0
- Wolfsburg 1, Chelsea 2
Standings Overview
The top four teams progress to the quarter-finals, while those finishing between 5th and 12th move on to the playoffs for knockout contention.
- Barcelona, 16 points (+17 GD)
- OL Lyon, 16 points (+13 GD)
- Chelsea, 14 points (+17 GD)
- Bayern Munich, 13 points (+1 GD)
- Arsenal, 12 points (+5 GD)
- Manchester United, 12 points (-2 GD)
- Real Madrid, 11 points (+6 GD)
- Juventus, 10 points (+5 GD)
- Wolfsburg, 9 points (+3 GD)
- Paris FC, 8 points (-3 GD)
- Atletico Madrid, 7 points (+4 GD)
- OH Leuven, 6 points (-5 GD)
- Ballerenga, 4 points (-5 GD)
- Roma, 4 points (-10 GD)
- Twente, 3 points (-6 GD)
- Benfica, 2 points (-7 GD)
- PSG, 2 points (-8 GD)
- St. Polten, 1 point (-22 GD)
Quarterfinalist Teams
- FC Barcelona
- OL Lyon
- Chelsea
- Bayern Munich
FC Barcelona and OL Lyon solidified their status as serious contenders for the quarter-finals leading up to the final matchday, demonstrating their powerful presence in the tournament. Barcelona’s slim edge in placing was secured by a superior goal difference, while Lyon also showcased their strength, thanks partly to standout performances like that of Wendy Leonard.
Teams Advancing to the Knockout Phase
- Arsenal
- Manchester United
- Juventus
- Real Madrid
- Wolfsburg
- Paris FC
- Atletico Madrid
- OH Leuven
The teams ranked from 5th to 12th in the league will take part in the ensuing knockout phase. Arsenal’s 3-0 triumph over OH Leuven has turned them into a focal point as they aim to defend their title. Additionally, Manchester United made an impressive entry into the tournament, led by USWNT keeper Fallon Tullis-Joyce, who helped secure a win against Juventus.
Eliminated Teams
Before matchday six, teams such as Benfica, Roma, St. Polten, FC Twente, and notably Paris Saint-Germain were knocked out of contention. The debuting Balerenga also faces elimination; despite being in a position to contend for advancement, they fell short against Bayern Munich.
Upcoming Events
The draw for the upcoming knockout matchups is set for Thursday, 7 a.m. ET, broadcasted on CBS Sports Golazo Network, as the tournament prepares to wrap up the year. Teams ranked 5-8 will be seeded while the 9-12 teams will be paired randomly.
The knockout stage kicks off in February (11-12, 18-19), followed by the quarter-finals in March (24-25, April 1-2). The semi-finals will take place in late April and early May, culminating with the final on May 23 at Ullevål Stadium in Oslo, Norway.
Fan Take
This pivotal moment in the UEFA Women’s Champions League not only highlights the rising competitiveness of women’s soccer but also builds excitement as top clubs prepare for fierce battles in the knockout rounds. As women’s football gains momentum and visibility, it promises to strengthen community support and inspire the next generation of players.
