Women's Champions League: OL Lyonnes and English trio eye weakened Barcelona
Quick summary
A Guardian preview of the 2026-27 Women's Champions League assessing whether OL Lyonnes, Arsenal, Chelsea, or Manchester City can challenge a Barcelona side perceived as weakened.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceThe league phase kicks off this week, with several sides optimistic of unseating the European champions
This competition is wide open. “But, wait, you say that every year!” No, honestly, this time it is wide open. The league phase of a new Women’s Champions League campaign begins on Tuesday with genuine elements of unpredictability, intrigue and a competitive feel after Barcelona, the holders, and winners of four titles in six years, underwent significant changes this summer.
The Spanish champions, who have reached six European finals in a row, have had four players who started the victory in the final last season leave the club . Ona Batlle joined Arsenal , Salma Paralluelo signed for OL Lyonnes – against whom she scored twice in that 4-0 victory to clinch the title in May – and Alexia Putellas and Mapi León moved to London City Lionesses. They have a very different look and feel to the formidable aura they demonstrated in Oslo.
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What happened
The piece previews the upcoming Women's Champions League campaign, framing Barcelona as the team to beat but noting perceived squad vulnerabilities. OL Lyonnes are positioned as experienced European contenders, while Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester City represent England's push for continental silverware. The article weighs squad depth, recent form, and European pedigree of all four challengers against the reigning champions.
Chance analysis
Barcelona's dominance in the women's game has rarely been questioned, so any preview that flags them as 'weakened' is notable. OL Lyonnes remain the benchmark for European know-how, while the English trio's growing investment continues to close the gap. The balance of power in the competition could hinge on how Barcelona reshuffle around departures and whether any of the English sides can translate domestic strength into a deep knockout run.
Shifts early-season narrative around Barcelona's invulnerability and elevates OL Lyonnes and English clubs as credible title challengers in the Women's Champions League.