Understanding the UEFA Women’s Champions League Structure

Barcelona are the top contenders for winning their third consecutive UEFA Women’s Champions League and adding a fourth European title in five years for the 2024/25 season.

The group stage for this prestigious women’s club tournament commenced in October, featuring some exciting matchups.

What is the format of the competition? This season has seen significant changes in men’s European football, with the Champions League and Europa League both shifting to the “Swiss Model“.

Will supporters be left puzzled in the UWCL, or is the structure more familiar?

Understanding the UEFA Women’s Champions League Format

In a positive move for traditionalists, the UWCL includes 16 teams competing in a classic four-team group setup.

Each team will face the other three in their group both home and away, resulting in a total of six matches for each during this round-robin phase.

The two leading teams from each group will advance to the quarterfinals, with the group winners receiving seeded status for the draw.

In the quarterfinals and semifinals, matches will consist of two-legged ties played at both teams’ venues, culminating in a final held at Lisbon’s Estádio José Alvalade.

However, applause should be reserved for future seasons.

Next season, the Women’s Champions League will adopt a new format similar to the men’s, expanding team entry and introducing a single league phase.

2024/25 UEFA Women’s Champions League Group Stage

Group A

• Lyon
• Roma
• Wolfsburg
• Galatasaray

Group B

• Twente
• Chelsea
• Real Madrid
• Celtic

Group C

• Arsenal
• Bayern Munich
• Juventus
• Valerenga

Group D

• Hammarby
• Barcelona
• Manchester City
• St Polten

Viewing Options for the 2024/25 UEFA Women’s Champions League

This season’s matches can be streamed live on DAZN.

Most Successful Teams in UEFA Women’s Champions League History

Lyon stands as the most accomplished team, having won the tournament eight times and appearing in 10 finals.

All-Time UEFA Women’s Champions League Champions