Women’s Champions League: Upsets Mark Group Stage as Competition Tightens
LONDON – The Women’s Champions League group stage is delivering a wave of closely contested matches, wiht several expected victories challenged and decided by narrow margins this week. Of the nine matches played, five were decided by a single goal, and none ended in a draw, signaling a heightened level of competition across the board.
This trend builds on evidence from the previous week, and introduces the possibility of further upsets as teams battle for qualification. Wolfsburg narrowly defeated Valarenga 2-1, secured by a penalty awarded in the eighth minute of stoppage time after a 4-0 win against Paris Saint-Germain the prior week. FC Twente also faced a late shift in momentum, falling 2-1 to OH leuven despite an earlier lead, with Linde Anna Veefkind netting an 82nd-minute penalty and Sara Pusztai scoring a stoppage-time winner. Even Real Madrid experienced a tense finish against PSG, holding on to a 2-1 lead after Rasheedat Ajibade scored for the French side in the second half.
These results aren’t unprecedented, but carry greater weight now as teams recognize the potential for any opponent to challenge them-with the notable exceptions of Barcelona, OL Lyonnes, and Manchester United, the only side yet to concede a goal in the competition. This dynamic promises a continued period of unpredictable and exciting play.
Results
Valarenga 1-2 Wolfsburg
OL Lyonnes 3-0 St. Polten
Roma 0-4 Barcelona
OH Leuven 2-1 FC Twente
Chelsea 4-0 Paris FC
Atletico Madrid 0-1 Manchester United
Benfica 0-2 Arsenal
Bayern Munich 2-1 Juventus
Paris Saint-Germain 1-2 Real Madrid
