The 2025/26 UEFA Women's Champions League resumes after its inaugural league phase, as eight teams compete in the first-ever knockout phase play-offs to join the top four in the quarter-finals. Matches begin on February 11 with OH Leuven facing Arsenal and Paris FC hosting Real Madrid. The new format has delivered increased drama and competitiveness throughout the season.
The league phase of the 2025/26 UEFA Women's Champions League concluded with 181 goals across 54 matches, averaging 3.36 goals per game. Barcelona, OL Lyonnes, Chelsea, and Bayern München advanced directly to the quarter-finals as the top four teams. The knockout phase play-offs feature the teams finishing fifth to 12th, including OH Leuven, Arsenal, Paris FC, Real Madrid, Wolfsburg, Juventus, Atlético Madrid, and Manchester United.
First-leg fixtures are scheduled for February 11 and 12. On February 11, OH Leuven will host Arsenal at 18:45 CET, followed by Paris FC versus Real Madrid at 21:00 CET. The next day, Wolfsburg faces Juventus at 18:45 CET, and Atlético Madrid takes on Manchester United at 21:00 CET. Second legs are set for February 18 and 19, with winners advancing to face the top seeds in the quarter-finals. The final will be held at Ullevaal Stadion in Oslo on May 23, 2026.
The new 18-team league phase has been praised for its dynamism. Matches were tighter, with 54% decided by a single goal or draw, up from 27% last season. Scoring first now leads to victory only 61% of the time, compared to 88% previously. Cumulative viewership reached 13.5 million, with coverage in 207 territories.
Manchester United coach Marc Skinner said: "I really liked it. Even in the final matches, there was always something at stake. It’s a great format, very tough." Real Madrid's Caroline Weir added: "As a player, it’s really exciting. Different teams, games home and away, league table format – I think it shows that every game counts. It’s so competitive."
Top scorers Pernille Harder and Evelyne Viens lead with five goals each, followed by six players on four goals, including Weir and Arsenal's Alessia Russo.
