The UEFA Women's Champions League group stage has concluded with both Arsenal and Chelsea qualifying for the last eight by topping their respective groups.
Both London clubs have laid down a European marker by negotiating tricky-looking groups, as English clubs hit back after Manchester City's early exit in the qualifying rounds. Emma Hayes' Chelsea were paired with European heavyweights PSG and Real Madrid in Group A, as well as Albanian champions Vllaznia.
Real were responsible for dumping out Man City, but there was never any danger of them repeating the trick on Chelsea. The Blues finished clear in first place, winning five of their six matches including doing the double over PSG.
The 2021 runners-up only failed to win once - away at Real Madrid, although that draw virtually confirmed they would qualify from the group. Striker Sam Kerr has showed what she can do against Europe's best defences, hitting five goals along the way.
It ensured by the time Chelsea faced the Parisians in their final game of the group only three days before Christmas, there was no danger of a repeat of the same heatbreaking final day exit they suffered in 2021. Arsenal ensured they would avoid Chelsea in the last eight by also winning their group.
Arguably the Gunners had an even trickier draw, facing the holders and eight-times champions Lyon as well as Italian champions Juventus, now coached by their former manager Joe Montemurro. But a stunning 5-1 win in Lyon set the tone for a superb group-stage run.
Although Arsenal didn't come through with a spotless record after their 1-0 reverse at home to the French side on matchday five, a 9-1 thrashing of the other side in Group C, Zurich, ensured they went through as group winners. Jonas Eidevall's team finished on 13 points with Lyon second on 11.
So can our English teams begin to dream of the final in Eindhoven on June 3? Let's see who could await them in the quarter-finals. The draw for the last eight is made on 10 February.
Roma
Only founded four years ago, AS Roma are perhaps the outside bet from the eight teams remaining. But the Italians have showed incredible fighting spirit just to get to this stage.
Unlike Arsenal and Chelsea, Roma had to navigate two rounds of qualifying just to get to the group stage. This included the narrowest of knockout wins over Paris FC, Roma prevailing 5-4 in a penalty shootout following a goalless draw.
They then showed their attacking quality to see of Sparta Prague 6-2 on aggregate, and held their own against Group B winners Wolfsburg. A squad containing the like of Emilie Haavi, Serie A golden boot winner Valentina Giacinti and Brazilian star Andressa should not be underestimated.
However, if both Arsenal or Chelsea had to pick an opponent from the draw, they would probably settle for Le Giallorosse.
Bayern Munich
At the start of the season not many would have expected Bayern Munich to repeat last season's run to the semi-final, let alone be a serious contender to lift the trophy. But their performances in Group D will have made Europe sit up and take notice, as they chase a first ever final.
The Bavarians did the double over a Benfica team expected to cause them problems, before stunning Barcelona 3-1 in front of a record crowd. They finished level on points with the Catalan giants, only missing out on top spot due to head-to-head goal difference.
With Lea Schüller offering a threat up front and Lioness Georgia Stanway slotting into the midfield perfectly since her summer move from Man City, Bayern look a team capable of beating anyone.
If either Chelsea or Arsenal are drawn with the German champions, surviving the first leg at a noisy Allianz Arena will be key.
Lyon
When it comes to the Champions League Lyon are still the team to beat. All four group winners would be very happy to avoid them in the last eight and let someone else worry about Sonia Bompastor's team.
In the quarter-final draw UEFA stipulate that no group winners can meet the runners-up from their own group, meaning only Chelsea can draw Lyon from the English representatives. Arsenal have already shown the holders can be vulnerable, but in knock-out football they will fancy their chances against anyone.
Lyon have won 12 quarter-finals from 13 attempts and with a squad containing Wendie Renard, Ada Hegerberg and Sara Dabritz they won't fear anyone. But they are still searching to find top gear in Europe this season and only snuck through to the last eight after a nervy 0-0 draw with Juventus on the final matchday.
Chelsea have never beaten Lyon in the Champions League but that could change if the draw brings them together.
Paris Saint-Germain
Once again as PSG can't be drawn with Chelsea, only Arsenal need to concern themselves about a potential meeting with Les Parisiennes. They did look like a serious European outfit when beating Real Madrid 2-1 at the Parc des Princes to secure qualification from Group A.
However, that was followed up with a miserable performance away to Chelsea. PSG were beaten 3-0 and never really laid a glove on the WSL champions.
They will have to improve if they want to go deep into the competition, as they did in both 2015 and 2017 when they reached the final only to fall at the last hurdle. All-time top scorer Marie-Antoinette Oda Katoto should give them the required firepower and they undoubtedly missed captain and centre-back Paulina Dudek in the defeat against Chelsea.
If they can get their strongest starting XI out PSG could definitely cause Arsenal major problems. However, doubts persist over whether they have the squad depth to win over two legs against the best teams in Europe.
The draw for the UWCL quarter-finals will be made on 10 February with the ties played between 21-22 March and 29-30 March.
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