Chelsea learn their Women's Champions League opponents as draw is made
Can this finally be Chelsea's year in the Champions League? Unusually, the Blues' third place finish in last year's WSL meant their European adventure began in qualifying. Nevertheless, Sonia Bompastor's side easily demolished Real Sociedad, winning 5-2 at Plough Lane and then 1-0 in San Sebastián on Wednesday night.
Chelsea have previously lost in one final and three semi-finals in the Champions League, all against Barça Femení, yet to get their hands on the trophy. Last time round, the Blues were dumped out in the quarter-finals by fierce London rivals Arsenal, determined to do much better this time round.
So, following Friday's draw in Nyon, find out who Bompastor's team will be up against in the Champions League league phase.
Chelsea's Women's Champions League opponents
Home
Pot 1: Paris Saint-Germain
Pot 2: AS Roma
Pot 3: Austria Wien
Away
Pot 1: OL Lyonnes
Pot 2: BK Häcken
Pot 3: Oud-Heverlee Leuven
Chelsea's two pot 1 opponents are the two French giants. They will welcome Paris Saint-Germain to West London, the pair having met twice before. These came in the 2018 quarter-finals, Chelsea advancing 3-2 on aggregate, and the 2022 group stages. The Blues won both encounters four years ago, 1-0 at Stade Jean-Bouin and 3-0 at Stamford Bridge.
Meantime, their first-ever meeting with Lyon came in the 2019 semi-finals, ousted 3-2 on aggregate. The pair then met in the 2023 quarter-finals, with Chelsea this time advancing after a penalty shootout. Their latest return to Parc Olympique Lyonnais promises to be their toughest test of the league phase.
Looking at the Blues' other home games, these will be against Roma and Austria Wien. 12 months ago, they met the Serie A champions for the very first time, enjoying a thumping 6-0 win. As for Austria Wien, they are competition debutants, having won last year's ÖFB Frauen Bundesliga for the very first time, so will be new opponents for the Blues.
On the road, Bompastor's team will travel to Sweden and Belgium. They met BK Häcken in the group stages three years ago, held to a goalless draw in London, before a 3-1 victory at Bravida Arena in Göteborg, hoping for a repeat. Lastly, their clash at Den Dreef with Oud-Heverlee Leuven will be a first-ever meeting with Belgian opposition.
When will Chelsea's Women's Champions League fixture list be released?
The full fixture list will be released by UEFA on Saturday. The schedule can be found at the bottom of this article.
How can I watch Chelsea in the Women's Champions League?
In the UK, Disney+ will broadcast all the Women's Champions League matches, with seven fixtures per season showcased free-to-air by the BBC. Expect a few of these to feature Chelsea. In the U.S. fans can find matches in CBS Sports Golazo and Paramount+.
How does the Women's Champions League league phase work?
Every team plays six matches against six different opponents, three at home and three away.
At the end of the league phase, the top four go straight through to the quarter-finals. Clubs ranked fifth to 12th enter the play-offs, while the bottom six sides are eliminated.
Chelsea finished third in last season's league phase and, with a relatively kind draw, will fancy their chances of something similar this time round. To get into last year's top four, clubs required 13 points, and the Blues are certainly capable of that.
Where will Chelsea play their Champions League matches?
Chelsea will play their league phase matches at Plough Lane, home of AFC Wimbledon. Their knockout phase home fixtures will then be moved to Stamford Bridge, which is now staging all their WSL games too.
Champions League 2026/27 league phase dates
Matchday 1: 22-23 September.
Matchday 2: 30 September & 1 October.
Matchday 3: 28 & 29 October.
Matchday 4: 10 & 11 November.
Matchday 5: 18 & 19 November.
Matchday 6: Wednesday 16 December.
