Man City face difficult Bayern test as Women's Champions League returns | OneFootball

The UEFA Women's Champions League returns this week with three WSL sides in action as the League Phase of the competition begins.

Last year, two English sides reached the quarter-final stage with Arsenal advancing the furthest in the competition getting as far as the semi-final. Once again, English teams will have confidence that they can go far in the competition but the likes of OL Lyonnes and champions Barcelona will have something to say about that.

Bayern München vs Manchester City

After a superb 2025/26 campaign that ended in a league and cup double, City are back in the Champions League after a season-long absence. Last time out they reached the quarter-final stage before being knocked out by Chelsea but they will surely feel confident of their prospects this season.

It's a difficult return to the competition though with Andrée Jeglertz's team facing a tough trip away to German giants Bayern Munich on Tuesday. Bayern went as far as the semi-finals last season, knocking out Manchester United in the quarters before eventually succumbing to eventual winners Barcelona. Then after that City will host Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain – it doesn't get that much easier.

After taking full advantage of a lighter schedule last season which resulted in an outstanding domestic campaign, will City be able to juggle competition home and abroad this season?

Arsenal vs HB Køge

The Gunners will be expected to open their 2026/27 Champions League campaign with a win when Danish side HB Køge come to town. These two both faced each other in this competition back in 2021 with Arsenal comfortably winning both home and away in the old group stage format.

With Arsenal only managing two draws in their last two WSL fixtures (first goalless with Crystal Palace and then with a stoppage-time goal needed to rescue a point at home to Man Utd), Europe should be a welcome distraction for Renée Slegers' side.

The two-time competition winners have stronger tests ahead of course, especially since the two finalists from last year – OL Lyonnes and Barcelona – are future opponents.

Chelsea vs Austria Wien

Finally, Chelsea continue their hunt for long-awaited European glory on Wednesday when they host FK Austria Wien. Although Chelsea have never faced Austria Wien before, they did face Austrian competition in the League Phase last season when they romped to a 6-0 win away to SKN St. Polten. 

Indeed, this should be a relatively straight forward European run for the London side after finishing the League Phase undefeated last season. OL Lyonnes will prove to be the most difficult opponents – especially away from home – although PSG are never easy opposition either.

Last season, the Blues were knocked out at the quarter-final stage by local rivals Arsenal but will be hoping to do better than this year. Guess who Chelsea are facing this weekend back in the WSL?