Season
30 May 2026
Our six League Phase opponents
Wolfsburg: A finalist several times against Lyon (2013, 2016, 2018, 2020), the German club is one of our biggest rivals on the European stage. They have won the competition twice (2013 and 2014).
Arsenal: The first English club to be crowned Women’s Champions League champions (2007), the Gunners secured their second title in the last edition, 2024/2025, after eliminating Lyon in the semi-finals.
St. Pölten: A regular in the competition, St. Pölten qualified again by winning the Austrian championship. Their best European run was in 2020/21 when they reached the Round of 16.
Juventus: On the rise, the Old Lady is investing heavily in its Italian champion women’s team and is becoming an increasingly formidable opponent on the European stage.
Atlético de Madrid: The Spanish club is looking to take the next step in Europe and compete with the continent’s elite. Having come through the qualifying rounds, Atlético reached the Group Stage after defeating Häcken in extra time.
A new format
The Women’s Champions League is entering a new era. UEFA has decided to reshape the competition to offer more excitement. A more demanding format where every match counts will increase competitiveness from the start of the season. The traditional four-team group stage is gone: now there is a single league of 18 clubs. Lyon will play six matches, three at home and three away, against different opponents. All the results will then be compiled into a single overall ranking.
The top four teams will qualify directly for the quarterfinals.
Clubs ranked 5th to 12th will have to go through a two-legged playoff to continue their journey.
Teams ranked 13th to 18th will see their European campaign end prematurely.
The 18 teams competing in the League Phase, the new format of the Women’s Champions League.
