The Women's Champions League league phase begins this week with genuine competitive unpredictability after Barcelona, the defending champions and four-time winners in six years, experienced a significant exodus of talent. Four key players from last season's European Cup-winning squad departed the club, including Salma Paralluelo (who joined OL Lyonnes) and Alexia Putellas and Mapi León (both moving to London City Lionesses), whilst Ona Batlle transferred to Arsenal. Despite remaining favourites with stars like Aitana Bonmatí and Ewa Pajor in their ranks, Barcelona's weakened state has opened the door for serious challengers to topple them for the first time in years.

OL Lyonnes, seeking their first title since 2022 despite being eight-time competition winners, have strengthened considerably by acquiring Paralluelo and Scotland midfielder Caroline Weir, whilst Bayern Munich and a formidable trio of English sides—Arsenal (2025 winners), Chelsea, and Manchester City—all possess the resources and squad depth to mount significant challenges. Arsenal have bolstered their squad with Georgia Stanway from Bayern and Batlle from Barcelona, whilst Manchester City, the domestic champions, have re-signed top scorer Khadija Shaw and are determined to improve upon their quarter-final appearance last season after a barren run in recent campaigns.