NYON, SWITZERLAND - SEPTEMBER 13: A view of the UEFA Women's Champions League trophy during the UEFA Women's Champions League 2021/22 Groups Stage Draw at the UEFA headquarters, The House of European Football on September 13, 2021, in Nyon, Switzerland. (Photo by Richard Juilliart - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
The 2023 Women’s Champions League is in full swing, showcasing some of the world’s best female football talent. Arsenal is looking to defend their title, while Barcelona aims for a sixth consecutive final appearance. Chelsea is eager to secure their first Champions League trophy, and Manchester United has made its mark by qualifying for the group stage for the second consecutive year, joining three teams from the Women’s Super League. This season is set to deliver thrilling matchups, emerging stars, and potential surprises.
10. Atletico Madrid
Atletico Madrid has made a surprising comeback, advancing past the qualifying rounds for the first time since the 2020/21 season. Although they have struggled to keep pace with Barcelona in Liga F, their unbeaten start this season, highlighted by a victory over rivals Real Madrid, suggests they could be poised for an upset in Europe. Key players include Chelsea loanee Julia Bartel, former Manchester United midfielder Vilde Boe Risa, and Brazilian forward Luany. With momentum on their side, Atletico may surprise many in this year’s competition.
9. Paris Saint-Germain
Paris Saint-Germain, who finished as runners-up in 2015 and 2017, faced a shocking setback this season by failing to qualify for the group stage after a loss to Juventus. This marked the end of a six-year streak of reaching at least the quarter-finals. Despite significant new signings, including Crystal Dunn and Olga Carmona, the departure of key players like Kadidiatou Diani to Lyon and Grace Geyoro to London City Lionesses has raised concerns. After finishing as runners-up to Lyon in seven of the past eight seasons, PSG is eager to reclaim their position among Europe’s elite, although their current form shows just two wins from four league matches.
8. Wolfsburg
Wolfsburg, with a rich history of success in the Champions League, remains a formidable opponent. Under new manager Stephan Lerch, they face a challenging league phase that includes matches against Chelsea, Lyon, Real Madrid, and PSG. Standout players, such as midfielder Janina Minge and Swiss forward Smilla Vallotto, who shone at the Euro tournament, may hold the key to their success. If their stars perform at their peak, Wolfsburg has the potential to make a significant run in this year’s competition.
7. Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich, the current Frauen-Bundesliga champions, have a star-studded lineup featuring England international Georgia Stanway and German talents Giulia Gwinn and Klara Buhl. Under new manager Jose Barcala, they face a daunting league phase that has already seen them suffer a heavy defeat to Barcelona. Historically, Bayern’s best Champions League runs have ended in the semi-finals, but with their domestic success, they have the talent to navigate tough matches and aim for a deeper run this year.
6. Real Madrid
Real Madrid has been making strides in women’s football, highlighted by their historic win over Barcelona in March. With talents such as Athenea del Castillo and Caroline Weir, they are looking to build on last season’s performances, where they narrowly lost to Chelsea in the group stage but managed to stun Arsenal in the quarter-finals. Their form under new manager Pau Quesada has been mixed, having won three of their first six league games, but glimpses of brilliance could see them progress far in the competition.
5. Manchester United
Manchester United is making history by reaching this stage of the Champions League for the first time. After an initial setback against Norwegian side Brann, they bounced back with a hat-trick from Elisabeth Terland. The team features Melvine Malard, who leads the Women’s Super League Golden Boot race with four goals in five games. Their recent draw against Chelsea underscores their growing credentials, and a highly anticipated match against PSG promises added excitement, especially with Mary Earps facing her former club.
4. Arsenal
Arsenal, the reigning champions, made headlines last season by defeating Barcelona in Lisbon. Their title defense, however, has begun on a shaky note with a 2-1 loss to Lyon on Matchday 1. Featuring seven Ballon d’Or nominees, including Mariona Caldentey and Alessia Russo, Arsenal’s individual talent is undeniable. Coach Renee Slegers faces the challenge of consistency, as the team has earned a reputation for making comebacks. Winless in their last four matches, they will need a substantial performance against Benfica to regain momentum.
3. OL Lyon
Lyon remains a dominant force in women’s football, holding the record for the most Champions League titles with eight. They opened their campaign with a convincing 2-1 victory over Arsenal. The team is backed by Michele Kang and boasts a squad that includes stars like Ada Hegerberg, Marie-Antoinette Katoto, and new signing Jule Brand. Their lethal attacking threat and extensive experience in this competition position them as serious contenders to reclaim their European crown.
2. Barcelona
Despite losing 17 players over the summer, Barcelona retains a core of world-class talent. Three-time Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmati and two-time winner Alexia Putellas continue to lead the midfield, while Claudia Pina was the top goalscorer in last season’s competition. Young star Vicky Lopez adds fresh energy to their attack. The three-time champions demonstrated their strength with a staggering 7-1 victory over Bayern Munich on Matchday 1, and they have started Liga F with a remarkable +30 goal difference in six games.
1. Chelsea
Chelsea completed a domestic treble last season, securing the Women’s Super League, FA Cup, and League Cup. Despite their domestic success, they are still seeking their first Champions League title, having come close in 2021. The team has invested significantly this year, notably signing Alyssa Thompson to enhance their already powerful attack, which includes prolific scorer Sam Kerr. Their upcoming group-stage match against Barcelona could be pivotal in setting the tone for their campaign, and they are determined to change their narrative in this prestigious tournament.
The 2023 Women’s Champions League promises to be a thrilling showcase of talent and competition, with these ten teams emerging as the frontrunners.
