Why Champions League matchday 6 is so important for WSL clubs | OneFootball

The league phase of the women’s Champions League draws to a close on Wednesday night, but there is still a lot on the line for the three English teams in Europe. 

All the WSL teams have qualified for the last 16, but there is a chance they could skip straight through to the quarter-finals.

Who qualifies for the women’s Champions League knockouts?

This year is the first season of a new format for the women’s Champions League.

Following the conclusion of the league phase, 12 of the 18 teams automatically qualify for the knockout round.

Those teams that finish in the last six are eliminated from Europe with no second chances.

Of the 12 teams qualifying for the knockouts, the top four clubs advance to the quarter-finals.

There will be four playoff games for the clubs in 5th-12th with the winners booking a spot in the quarters against one of the top four from the league phase.

The Champions League knockout draw will take place on December 17th at 12:00 GMT.

What’s at stake for English teams on matchday six?

Despite all the English teams already qualifying for the knockouts, there is still plenty to play for on matchday six.

Chelsea are the only WSL side currently sitting in the top four and they will have to win a tricky tie against Wolfsburg in Germany to keep their spot in the quarter-finals.

Manchester United and Arsenal are eighth and ninth respectively so it is unlikely they will make it into the top four.

With that being said, there is just two points between Arsenal in ninth and Chelsea in third, so if results go their way one of the teams could sneak in.

Arsenal have a relatively easy clash against Oud-Heverlee Leuven but with qualification on the line for the Belgian side they may put up a tough fight.

United on the other hand face Juventus who are fourth. The top four may come down to goal difference this week so expect some free flowing performances from all three English teams still in Europe.