Women’s Champions League Preview: Barcelona vs. Arsenal

Barcelona women welcome Arsenal women to the Camp Nou in the UEFA Women’s Champions League on Thursday evening. The teams are sitting first and fifth respectively and Barcelona will be looking to gain revenge on the North Londoners after losing to them in the final of this competition in 2025.

Barcelona eyeing another European win

The Spanish side are the only team in the competition this year to have won all of their matches. Victories against Paris, Roma and HB Køge by an aggregate score of 19-2 have vaulted Barcelona to the top of the standings as they chase a fifth European crown in seven seasons.

If not for Arsenal, Barcelona might already have had five Champions League titles. The Gunners pulled a stunning 1-0 upset in May 2025, courtesy of Stina Blackstenius’ 74th minute strike. Prior to that clash, Barcelona had won the last two meetings between the clubs during the 2021/22 campaign.

As such, revenge will be of utmost importance to the defending champions, even if this is only a group stage match. Anything other than three points will be seen as a disappoint given the high standards at the Camp Nou in recent years.

Arsenal sitting pretty in the Champions League

Arsenal might be doing well in Europe, with two wins and a draw from their opening three games, but things look different domestically. The club sit sixth in the Women’s Super League, trailing leaders Manchester City by a staggering 12 points after only nine matches.

Europe, then, has proven to be a massive distraction from their domestic troubles.

Wins over HB Køge and Benfica bookended a 2-2 draw with Paris FC, but the clash against Barcelona will be the trickiest of the season thus far. Renee Slegers will have fond memories of the last time her side face the Spaniards, as she was at the helm for that 2025 Women’s Champions League final.

That could well stand the away side in good stead ahead of this clash, especially considering how poor they have been domestically. Knowing what it takes to defeat the four-time winners of this competition might allow the North Londoners to com away from Barcelona with a point, or three.

Much will depend on what Alessia Russo turns up. She scored a hat-trick in her previous Champions League match against Benfica, yet has netted just five times in the WSL this term.

Team news

Both sides are missing some key players.

For Barcelona, Kika Nazareth and Vicky López are still dealing with muscle issues. Laia Aleixandri is still rehabbing her knee, and Brazilian winger Kerolin is expected to miss another few weeks with a calf injury.

Renee van Asten and Aitana Bonmatí should come back into the starting XI having dropped to the bench for the tie against Madrid CFF. Irene Parades is doubtful, and will be a game-day decision.

Arsenal’s list is just as long. Selina Cerci and Michelle Agyemang are out with knee issues. Katie Reid, and Mariona Caldentey’s hamstring will keep her sidelined for another 8 weeks at least. Chloe Kelly (same muscle) is out for this tie, but expected back soon. Katie Reid’s ankle injury has a late-December timeframe.

The questionable list includes Stina Blackstenius, Ona Batlle and Taylor Hinds, all of whom will travel with the squad.

Prediction

This is arguably going to be one of the outstanding ties of Matchday 4 and there could well be plenty of goals scored at the Camp Nou.

The question is, who comes away with all three points? Going by current form, that should be Barcelona. Arsenal, however, have clicked in Europe this season, despite domestic woes, and could pose a threat in Spain.

Barcelona 3 – 1 Arsenal.