The Women’s Champions League quarter-finals are set, with Europe’s elite clubs battling for a place in the semi-finals. First-leg ties take place on March 24 and 25, followed by decisive return legs on April 1 and 2. Defending champions Arsenal headline a stacked field that includes OL Lyonnes, FC Barcelona, Chelsea, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Manchester United and VfL Wolfsburg. With historic rivalries, standout form and key injury concerns shaping the ties, the race for European glory intensifies.
VfL Wolfsburg vs. OL Lyonnes
Date & Time: March 24 18:45 CET
Stadium: VfL Wolfsburg Arena
Where to watch: Disney+
VfL Wolfsburg host OL Lyonnes in a heavyweight quarter-final clash, marking the 12th meeting between the two sides in European competition. Wolfsburg arrive in strong form with four consecutive wins, but face a Lyon side unbeaten in seven league matches and on an extended winning run.
Head coach Stephan Lerch said: “We know what to expect… we mustn’t be afraid.”
Team news sees Lena Lattwein and Kessya Bussy ruled out, while Sophia Kleinherne is not yet ready to return. Alexandra Popp is sidelined for several weeks with a muscle injury.
Despite Lyon’s dominant recent record, head coach Jonatan Giraldez expects a difficult contest, particularly with Wolfsburg’s home advantage. Midfielder Jule Brand, facing her former club, added: “We are ready to face this situation.”
Arsenal vs. Chelsea
Date & Time: March 24 21:00 CET
Stadium: Emirates Stadium
Where to watch: Disney+
Arsenal and Chelsea meet in a high-stakes all-English clash, shifting their fierce domestic rivalry onto the European stage. Arsenal, the defending champions, come into the tie after an emphatic 5–0 win over West Ham United.
Chelsea, under Sonia Bompastor, have already secured silverware this season with the Women’s League Cup but have shown inconsistent league form. Injuries on both sides could prove decisive.
Arsenal head coach Renée Slegers confirmed several absences, including Leah Williamson, while Australian internationals are unavailable after losing the Women’s Asian Cup final against Japan.
Chelsea also face key decisions, with Aggie Beever-Jones a doubt. Sam Kerr, Millie Bright and Ellie Carpenter remain unavailable, while Naomi Girma could feature.
Real Madrid vs. FC Barcelona
Date & Time: March 25 21:00 CET
Stadium: Estadio Alfredo Di Stéfano
Where to watch: Disney+
Real Madrid and FC Barcelona renew their rivalry in another domestic clash on the European stage. Barcelona lead Liga F by ten points and have already beaten Madrid three times this season across all competitions.
Despite that record, Real Madrid enter the quarter-finals in strong form, winning seven consecutive matches. Barcelona saw their winning streak ended earlier this month but have since responded with three convincing victories.
This will be the fourth meeting between the sides this season, with Barcelona aiming to maintain their dominance and Madrid seeking a breakthrough result.
Manchester United vs. FC Bayern Munich
Date & Time: March 25 21:00 CET
Stadium: Old Trafford
Where to watch: Disney+
Manchester United host Bayern Munich in a high-stakes Women’s Champions League quarter-final, with the German side having won both previous meetings between the teams. However, this encounter carries far greater significance.
United come into the match following mixed WSL form, including a draw with West Ham and a win over Everton. Head coach Marc Skinner confirmed that Leah Galton, Ella Toone and Anna Sandberg remain sidelined. Hinata Miyazawa could return following her international success with Japan, while Jayde Riviere and Dominique Janssen remain doubts.
Bayern Munich arrive in exceptional form, unbeaten in 22 matches and currently on a 10-game winning streak. The tie also features familiar connections, with Lea Schüller among players facing former opposition, adding an extra layer of intrigue to an already compelling European clash.
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