The group stage of this season’s UEFA Women’s Champions League culminated dramatically for all three English sides. Despite Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City having already qualified for the quarter-finals, the Women’s Super League clubs were still playing for first place in their groups. Chelsea came from behind to beat Real Madrid 2-1 and join Lyon as the only team with a perfect record in this season’s group stage, while Arsenal came out on top after a 3-2 thriller with Bayern Munich.
Manchester City however were not so successful, with a tough rematch against Barcelona, who won 3-0 to finish top of their group thanks to a superior goal difference in games between the two sides.
Teams from the same countries can be pitted against each other in the quarter-finals, so Chelsea or Arsenal could face Manchester City in the next round. The draw will take place on February 7, with first legs being played on March 18/19 and second legs on March 26/27. First-placed teams in the groups will be drawn at home for the second leg.
Slegers and Russo continue Arsenal revival
Arsenal’s home win over Bayern Munich was not just a reversal of fortunes from the reverse fixture but was also emblematic of their improved form under interim manager Renee Slegers.
An 85th-minute Mariona…
