The Champions League returns next week with four eye-catching encounters. For the first time, every quarter-final will be held in the clubs’ main stadiums, adding to the increased visibility and interest this competition is creating.
Midfield battle key as Arsenal take on Bayern
Arsenal head to Germany with a much-needed spring in their step. After a poor start to 2023, the tide has turned and they appear to be brimming with confidence. Stina Blackstenius is back among the goals while Frida Maanum and Kim Little have been imperious in the middle.
They will need every ounce of this belief when they face in-form Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena, the first encounter between these two in Europe. Bayern’s unbeaten run in all competitions stretches back to November and they continue to challenge Wolfsburg domestically.
Bayern have the familiar face of Georgia Stanway. The Lioness has settled well in Germany and is a mainstay of the team. Constantly tenacious and competitive, she will relish facing her England teammates. With the midfield likely to be a focal point, Arsenal must be at their best to nullify her threat.
David v Goliath encounter in Rome
“This is a dream.” These were the words of Roma’s manager, Alessandro Spugna, when he spoke to Moving the Goalposts in December. Those dreams will continue when the Giallorosse walk out at the Stadio Olimpico for the first time against Barcelona on Tuesday.
There is no question Roma are the underdogs. The Spanish Champions – widely viewed as the best in Europe – possess a glittering squad that will pose the home side endless problems. Caroline Graham Hansen has returned from injury in strong form to bolster a team that is unbeaten domestically this season.
There is a sense of destiny about this tie, an inevitable collision course. To add to the magic, the Barcelona legend Vicky Losada will face her former side having moved to Italy in January. The midfielder made more than 200 appearances for Barça Femení, but has never played at Camp Nou. In a fortnight’s time, she will step on to that famous turf, sporting different colours, but finally returning to the place where it all began.
Chelsea hunt elusive trophy
The Champions League is the one title that has eluded Emma Hayes and her Chelsea side. It is no secret how desperate the club are to bring this prestigious trophy home to London. They will have their work cut out for them if they are to achieve it this season.
Lyon, the current holders, are a formidable opponent. They have won 12 of their past 13 quarter-finals and after a season beset by injury are nearing full fitness. Ellie Carpenter, Sara Däbritz and Dzsenifer Marozsán have returned while Catarina Macario and Ada Hegerberg are not far off. They are certainly a different prospect from the side that capitulated to Arsenal at the start of the campaign.
Chelsea have injury problems of their own with Fran Kirby and Pernille Harder long-term absentees. Nevertheless, squad depth is not a problem with plenty of talent at their disposal. Lauren James and Sam Kerr will be crucial, their instinctive link-up play can turn a match.
PSG battle rumours as they seek to surprise Wolfsburg
Wolfsburg make no secret of their ambitions. Twice champions of Europe, they are hoping to progress to the semi-finals yet again. They have the squad to do it with Alexandra Popp, Lena Oberdorf and Sveindís Jane Jónsdóttir in their armoury. The Poland forward Ewa Pajor is the competition’s top scorer with seven.
The She-Wolves will be favourites, but there have been glimmers of frailties on which PSG could capitalise. They were held to draws by Roma and Slavia Praha in their group and suffered their first domestic defeat a fortnight ago.
This will be enough to give the French side hope, especially with the firepower of Kadidiatou Diani. It is, however, hard to shake off memories of the comprehensive loss to Chelsea in December. Plus, as always seems to be the case in Paris, rumours are swirling. The latest involves the manager, Gérard Prêcheur, who has been heavily linked with the vacant national team role.
Despite the drama, PSG have it in them to pull off a result. Backed by the vociferous Parisian Ultras, the opener at Parc des Princes will be the perfect opportunity to do just that.
Recommended viewing
The pick of this weekend’s goal was this work of art from Chelsea’s duo of the moment, Lauren James and Sam Kerr. What was better though, the assist or the finish?
That is so cold from @ChelseaFCW 🥶
— Barclays Women's Super League (@BarclaysWSL) March 12, 2023
The James assist and the Kerr finish!#BarclaysWSL pic.twitter.com/WloMpCwCJ4
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