Champions Weir backs Barça while Lakrar eyes Bernabéu debut

Vídeo Begoña Villarrubia captures the electric atmosphere at the Alfredo Di Stéfano stadium as Real Madrid women prepare to host Paris Saint‑Germain on Tuesday at 21:00, the opening match of the revived Women’s Champions League. Each of the 18 clubs will play six league‑phase games, with the top four earning direct quarter‑final spots.

League phase and qualification

The new format pits the 18 teams in a single group, each side meeting six different opponents. The four highest‑placed clubs after these encounters advance straight to the quarter‑finals, while those finishing fifth to twelfth must navigate a playoff round to stay alive.

Real Madrid versus PSG preview

Real Madrid, coached by Pau Quesada, embark on their fourth consecutive Champions campaign. They have recovered midfielder Athenea del Castillo for the tie, but forward Toletti remains unavailable. Paris Saint‑Germain’s Sakina Karchaoui declared the team’s aim is to start the competition with a victory.

Lakrar dreams of Bernabéu

French defender Maëlle Lakrar, back from the injury that sidelined her last season, spoke of the possibility that Real Madrid women could one day play at the Santiago Bernabéu. “Everyone wants the chance to play in a stadium like that,” she said, before adding, “I only think about tomorrow’s match – we want three points.”

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Weir weighs in on Barça

Caroline Weir, the Scottish signing of the French side, highlighted the difficulty of facing the defending champions. “We all know how good they are with the ball,” she asserted, noting the physical demands of the title‑holders. Roger Guillamet also praised the blend of pioneers and future promises within the Barça Femení squad as they prepare to defend their crown.

Other opening fixtures

Tuesday’s programme also features Inter‑Häcken against Bayern Munich‑Manchester City at 18:45, and Arsenal versus HB Køge at 21:00, with Mariona Caldentey and Alessia Russo leading the English side. Arsenal enter as the 2025 European champions, while the Danish club arrived in London after a 10‑0 domestic win.

Schedule and final

The league phase will run until 16 December, with the grand final slated for 28, 29 or 30 May 2027 at the Stadion Narodowy in Warsaw. Ahead of the European start, the domestic Liga F saw Barça beat Deportivo Alavés 0‑6, Real Madrid overcome Valencia 3‑1, and Espanyol dispatch Madrid CFF 5‑1.

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The return of the Women’s Champions League promises a showcase of Europe’s elite clubs, offering greater visibility for the sport and a platform for emerging talent across the continent.