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With the quarter-final stage set, eight teams are set to battle it out in the UEFA Women’s Champions League.
Defending champions Barcelona topped their group with an emphatic 3-0 win over Women’s Super League (WSL) side Manchester City on matchday six. Liga F will set their sights on lifting the European trophy for the third consecutive season.
English clubs Chelsea and Arsenal both top the standings in their respective groups, while German giants Bayern Munich and VfL Wolfsburg qualified in second place.
The draw for the quarter-final stage will take place on February 7, with fixtures set to be played on March 18/19.
90 Minutes predicts which European club will lift silverware at Lisbon’s Estadio José Alvalade in 2025…
Arsenal have been in firing form since Renee Slagers took over the mantle, playing with the fight that fans have been craving. The Gunners took it to Bayern Munich on matchday six, and it looks like they could cause some real problems on the European stage.
As for Manchester City, Gareth Taylor’s side look depleted. Injuries have seen Alex Greenwood, Lauren Hamp, Vivian Miedema, Chloe Kelly and Khadijah Shaw absent from the matchday squad and it’s safe to say the side looks vulnerable.
Both of these English sides could get glimpses that prove they are capable of beating any side in the world, but their questionable depth may prevent them from going all the way.
Barcelona are by far the most ruthless team in Europe, making Liga F a breeze by winning back-to-back Champions League titles. The Spanish giants will be well equipped to make it three in a row, as Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmati only continues to get better.
The defending champions faced turmoil in their first European outing this season, suffering a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Manchester City on matchday one. However, Barcelona have been ruthless ever since. Matchday two saw them demolish Hamerby by a 9-0 margin before claiming a consecutive win over St Polten.
It may seem like an easy prediction, but if one side can steal the glory from Barcelona, it could be Chelsea. Blues fans will hate the thought of facing Barcelona once again, after a narrow 2-1 defeat saw them miss out on a place in the season finals. And for all Emma Hayes’ brilliance, she has never won the Champions League. However, Sonia Bompaster has.
In moments where Chelsea looked vulnerable, they did not look invincible. The Blues claimed victory in a questionable performance against Real Madrid on matchday six, despite losing the game under Bompaster.
The squad has always been talented, but Chelsea’s depth is now where the dominance lies. As they prepare to welcome Sam Kerr, Lauren James and Mia Fischel in the new year, this could finally be the year Chelsea claim European glory.
Predicted winners: Chelsea
