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2h ago

Lyon Visit Arsenal as New Women’s Champions League Format Raises Early Stakes

The 18-team league phase sends only the top four straight to the quarterfinals, placing extra value on opening-night points.

Les Lyonnaises fêtent leur victoire face au PSG, en championnat de france féminin au Groupama Stadium, le 27 septembre 2025
Les joueuses d'Arsenal à l'échaufferment avant la finale de la Ligue des champions contre Barcelone à Lisbonne, le 24 mai 2025
La Lyonnaise Lindsey Horan célèbre son but face au PSG, en championnat de france féminin au Groupama Stadium de Decines-Charpieu, le 27 septembre 2025.

Overview

  • Arsenal host record eight-time winners Lyon at Meadow Park on Tuesday at 21:00 to open the champions’ defense.
  • Under new coach Jonatan Giraldez, Lyon have started with four big domestic wins, including 6-1 against PSG and 8-1 against Lens, and seek payback for last season’s semifinal exit to Arsenal.
  • Arsenal arrive in uneven league form after draws with Manchester United and West Ham and a 3-2 defeat at Manchester City, with injured defender Leah Williamson still out.
  • The competition now uses a single 18-team league phase in which only the top four qualify directly for the quarterfinals, while places five through twelve enter play-off ties.
  • Paris clubs open with contrasting aims: PSG visit Wolfsburg on Wednesday following reinforcements such as Olga Carmona and Rasheedat Ajibade, while Paris FC host Louvain on Tuesday targeting at least a top-12 finish.