UEFA Women's Champions League The new UEFA Women’s Champions League season kicked off in grand style and to a flamenco rhythm. Spanish teams delivered a masterclass, scoring a combined 19 goals as fans across Europe witnessed spectacular displays filled with goals, drama, and surprises.
The first round of the new league-format competition produced 39 goals in total, several upsets, and one clear takeaway: women’s football has never been this fast, thrilling, and ruthless.
Juventus W – Benfica W 2:1
Goals: Alves (6’) – Salvai (22’, 86’)
The new-look Juventus, full of confidence after winning the Serie A Cup, started their European campaign with a strong performance. But it didn’t begin well Lena Alves put Benfica ahead in the 6th minute after a pass from Raysla. The Italians quickly regained their composure, and captain Cristiana Salvai took matters into her own hands. After Bonansea’s cross, she equalized in the 22nd minute and sealed the win from a corner with four minutes to go.
Benfica fought bravely, but Juve’s experience and composure prevailed. Three points, character, and a perfect opening statement.
Arsenal W – Lyon W 1:2
Goals: Russo (7’) – Dumornay (18’, 23’)
The big opening clash did not disappoint. Arsenal the reigning European champions, started promisingly, with Alessia Russo scoring early after Mead’s assist. But then Lyon took over. Melchie Dumornay, one of the brightest talents in world football, scored twice in five minutes, punishing defensive lapses.
Lyon controlled the tempo, dominated physically and tactically. Arsenal tried to fight back but lacked creativity. The French giants reminded everyone why they remain the symbol of consistency and class. For Arsenal, an early warning defending the title will be an uphill battle.
Paris FC W – OH Leuven W 2:2
Goals: Corboz (3’), Mateo (23’) – Everaerts (47’), Pusztai (62’)
The first surprise of the round. Paris FC, often overshadowed by PSG, started perfectly, leading 2–0 within 23 minutes through Corboz and Mateo.
But Belgian debutants Leuven showed tremendous character. After halftime, Everaerts and Pusztai capitalized on Paris’s defensive lapses to make it 2–2.
Paris FC lost control and possibly crucial points in the fight for qualification. For Leuven, it was a point that felt like a victory and a historic moment for the club.
Barcelona W – Bayern Munich W 7:1
Goals: Putellas (4’), Pajor (12’, 56’), Brugts (27’), Paralluelo (45+1’), Pina (88’, 90+2’) – Bühl (32’)
This wasn’t just a match, it was a display of dominance. Barcelona looked from another planet, completely overwhelming Bayern. Alexia Putellas opened the scoring in the 4th minute, and what followed was a masterclass in attacking perfection.
Ewa Pajor, Barcelona’s new star striker netted twice, while Brugts, Paralluelo, and Pina completed the rout. Klara Bühl grabbed a consolation goal for Bayern, but the Germans were outclassed.
Barça sent a clear message: their goal isn’t just the final, it’s another title, achieved in the most spectacular style imaginable.
Real Madrid W – Roma W 6:2
Goals: Redondo (6’, 42’), Weir (23’, 60’), Lakrar (53’), Navarro (73’) – Viens (16’), Haavi (35’)
Real Madrid started the season with a goal fest. Caroline Weir was everywhere, two goals and several assists while Athenea del Castillo and Linda Caicedo wreaked havoc on the wings.
Roma fought valiantly but couldn’t withstand the offensive onslaught. Evelyne Viens and Emilie Haavi scored for the Italians, but defensive errors proved fatal.
Real played with maturity and flair this could be the season they finally break into Europe’s elite.
FC Twente W – Chelsea W 1:1
Goals: Van Ginkel (63’) – Baltimore (71’, pen.)
Chelsea, one of the tournament favorites, stumbled in the Netherlands. Twente, known for its young and energetic side, showed no fear of their high-profile opponents. Van Ginkel gave the hosts the lead after an hour, converting Roord’s pinpoint pass.
Chelsea equalized through a coolly taken penalty by Samantha Baltimore. Despite their dominance, the Blues couldn’t find a winner. They’ll need to sharpen their attack if they want to fulfill their lofty ambitions.
Manchester United W – Vålerenga W 1:0
Goal: Le Tissier (31’, pen.)
Manchester United’s first-ever group stage match ended in victory, though it wasn’t easy. Millie Le Tissier scored the only goal from the spot, and Marc Skinner’s team managed to hold on.
Vålerenga were well-organized defensively but lacked cutting edge up front. United controlled the game without dazzling, but the win matters twice as much: a confident start among Europe’s best.
St. Pölten W – Atlético Madrid W 0:6
Goals: Queiroz (5’), Medina (18’), Luany (22’), Boe Risa (43’), Benítez (88’, pen., 90+3’)
Atlético looked unstoppable, confirming their status as a potential dark horse this season. They dominated from the first whistle, playing with pace and aggression.
By halftime it was already 4–0, and in the second half Fiamma Benítez added two more, including one from the penalty spot. St. Pölten had no response to the Spanish tempo and pressing. A show of strength and squad depth that could take Atlético to the quarterfinals.
Wolfsburg W – Paris Saint-Germain W 4:0
Goals: Groenen (own goal, 7’), Peddemors (42’), Popp (90’), Minge (90+5’, pen.)
A clash of giants ended in a stunning rout. Wolfsburg executed a flawless tactical plan, neutralizing PSG’s stars and punishing every mistake.
An early own goal off Groenen set the tone, followed by strikes from Peddemors and Popp. Minge sealed the scoreline from the penalty spot in stoppage time.
PSG were helpless, failing to create a single clear chance. The Germans sent a strong message, they’re back among Europe’s elite.
Round Summary
Matchday 1 of the UEFA Women’s Champions League 2025/26 proved that women’s football in Europe has reached an unprecedented level of intensity.
- Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Atlético were sensational, scoring 19 goals combined.
- Lyon and Wolfsburg showed that European experience still matters.
- Arsenal and PSG started with problems.
- Juventus won through grit and character.
The new league format delivers exactly what was promised, more excitement, more clashes between giants, and an even higher standard of competition.
And if the opening round was this spectacular, the rest of the season might be nothing short of extraordinary.
