UEFA Women's Champions League The opening legs are behind us, ties that will decide who enters the group stage of the 2025/26 Women’s Champions League. Nine pairs, only nine tickets to the elite. The very first matches showed this round will be full of drama, from upsets to displays of power by the favorites. The return legs are set for September 18, and all signs point to real football thrillers ahead.
Brann – Manchester United 1:0
The Norwegians took advantage of one of their few chances, Stenevik heading home from a set piece. United dominated possession and shots but failed to convert. The English side face a must-win in the return.
Roma – Sporting CP 1:2
Drama at the Stadio Tre Fontane. Roma went ahead through Di Guglielmo, but Sporting struck twice in stoppage time through Santiago and Encarnacao. In Lisbon, the hosts will defend their lead, while Roma must chase.
Eintracht Frankfurt – Real Madrid 1:2
Real struck early, with Angeldahl and Bruun putting them ahead. Anyomi pulled one back, but the Spaniards played maturely and controlled the match. A heated battle awaits in Madrid.
Vålerenga – Ferencváros 3:0
After a goalless first half, the Norwegians shifted gears. Goals from Sævik, Kovacs, and Hørte dismantled the Hungarians. The 23:1 shot statistic says it all, Vålerenga’s qualification looks like a formality.
Vorskla Poltava – OH Leuven 0:2
The Belgians controlled from the start. Biesmans and Reynders secured a solid win. Vorskla? Zero shots on target. They’ll need much more courage in the return, or their Champions League dream is over.
St. Pölten – Fortuna Hjørring 3:1
A masterclass from the Austrians. Three goals, attacking dominance, and 28 shots. Fortuna responded once, but their chances before the second leg look slim.
GKS Katowice – Twente 0:4
No illusions here. Twente imposed their pace from the start, and the Polish side had no answer. With 27 shots, including 14 on target, the Dutch are already one foot in the group stage.
Paris FC – Austria Vienna 0:0
A shock in France! Paris attacked relentlessly, but the Austrians defended superbly. The goalless draw gives Vienna hope, though Paris FC remain favorites.
BK Häcken – Atlético Madrid 1:1
A balanced duel in Gothenburg. The hosts went ahead, but Atlético equalized after the break. In Spain, the atmosphere will be hotter than a blast furnace.
Who will fulfill their dreams, and who will say goodbye to the Champions League?
The first legs only raised the stakes. Twente and Vålerenga have practically sealed qualification. Sporting and Brann pulled off surprises, putting Roma and Manchester United in trouble. Real Madrid took a step forward, though Eintracht is still close behind. OH Leuven and St. Pölten are within reach of the group stage, though their rivals won’t give up without a fight.
The most fire, however, is expected in the ties ending in draws. Paris FC vs. Austria and Häcken vs. Atlético. Those second legs could turn into do-or-die finals.
On September 18, nine return matches will decide who earns a ticket to Europe’s elite. One thing is certain: for some, it will be the realization of a dream, for others a painful farewell to the Champions League before autumn even begins.
