UWCL is back
some history and some re-intro
by Funmi Amusan.
It is 2025 and the UEFA Women’s Champions League (UWCL), has a new format.
The tournament has introduced a new format: the familiar 16-team group stage has been replaced by an ambitious league phase, designed to showcase even more talents across Europe.
Whether you’re a dedicated supporter or new to the excitement, here’s everything you need to know about the UWCL: the new structure and the favorites to lift the trophy in Oslo.
What’s Changed? Say Hello to the League Phase
The UWCL has grown from 16 teams to an 18-team league phase. Think of it as a massive group where everyone competes for points, rather than being stuck in small quartets.
Here’s the lowdown on how it works:
Six Matches for Every Team: Each of the 18 teams will play six matches (three at home and three away) against six different opponents. This setup ensures more high-stakes matches between top clubs from the outset.
The Race for the Top: Only the top four teams in the final league table automatically secure a spot in the quarter-finals.
The Playoffs: Teams finishing from 5th to 12th will battle it out in a playoff round for the remaining 4 QF places. This means 8 teams fighting for four spots!
Uhh, Bye!: Teams finishing 13th through 18th are eliminated for the season.
Journey so far:
The league phase has passed its halfway point with two matches to go(four of six matches played), and the new format has already provided scintillating results:
Roaring Results: The UWCL is full of drama and this season hasn’t been different. Reigning champions Arsenal suffered a devastating blow on Matchday 3, losing 3-2 to Bayern Munich after holding a 2-0 lead and Juventus held the 8-time champion, Olympic Lyonnes to a 3-3 thriller after leading 3-nil at half-time
Big Wins: Chelsea demonstrated their intent with a massive 6-0 victory over St. Pölten, while Manchester United secured a statement win, beating two-time finalists Paris Saint-Germain 2-1 at Old Trafford.
Who’s Going to Win? The Contenders
1. FC Barcelona Femení (The Standard-Bearers)
Why they are favourites: They’ve won the competition three times in the last five years and continue to dominate domestically. With superstars like the award-winning Alexia Putellas leading the charge, they are always the team to beat and have maintained an almost perfect start (10 points out of 12) with an imposing goal difference.
The Catch: Their squad is looking a little thin. If key players pick up injuries, depth might become a major issue for coach Pere Romeu as the knockout stages approach, and Aitana Bonmati’s absence is already a bad omen.
2. Arsenal (The Reigning Champions)
Why they are contenders: They stunned Barcelona last season to become two-time winners and certainly have the experience and grit. Manager Renée Slegers knows how to navigate Europe.
The Catch: Arsenal has had a slightly shaky start to their domestic season, which has translated to the European stage. The recent 3-2 defeat to Bayern Munich, losing a two-goal lead, leaves them well down the table and facing a tough battle just to secure one of the 5th-12th playoff spots. Their ability to recover from this shock will define their campaign.
3. Chelsea (The Trophy Hunters)
Why they are contenders: This is the trophy Chelsea desperately wants. After conquering every domestic title last term, Sonia Bompastor’s side has added star power like Ellie Carpenter and Alyssa Thompson. Sam Kerr is back from injury! They are ready to prove they can win the biggest one of all, evidenced by a strong start that puts them in the automatic quarter-final places.
The Catch: You could say they had put last season’s 8-2 aggregate thrashing by Barcelona in the semi-finals behind them, having held them to an home draw, avoiding defeat at home for the first time, but their domestic form has been a huge concern and one will wonder if Sonia can quickly turn the tepid display around before the they reach the knockout stages.
4. OL Lyonnes (The Record Holders)
Why they are contenders: You can never, ever count out the eight-time champions. Top of the Première Ligue and always a powerhouse, they have the pedigree and the desire to reclaim the trophy they last lifted in 2022. Their almost perfect start confirms they remain arguably the most formidable side in the competition’s history.
When and Where is the Final?
The ultimate prize will be decided at the Ullevaal Stadion in Oslo, Norway, which is the home of the Norwegian national team. The final will take place on the weekend of 22-24 May 2026.
The UWCL is set for an electrifying season full of surprises. With the expanded format and so many world-class teams vying for the title, anything could happen!
Who are you rooting for this season, and do you think we might see an African player pose with the trophy at the end of the season? Do share with us.
Big wins excludes Barca's dominant play against a contender, Bayern Munich.
Lovely written though!