Women's Champions League draw: Everything Barcelona fans need to know
Barcelona are undeniably Europe's dominant force right now, favourites to go all the way in the Women's Champions League once again. Last May, they demolished Lyon 4-0 in the final in Oslo, with all the goals coming in the second half.
This means that Barça Femení have now featured in six successive Champions League Finals, winning four of them, including three of the last four. Thus, most expect the Blaugrana to feature at Stadion Narodowy in Warsaw for this year's final too.
Before any of that, Pere Romeu's team must begin in the league phase, alongside the other 17 contendors. So, here is what Barcelonistes need to know ahead of the draw.
When is the Champions League league phase draw?
The Women's Champions League league phase draw takes place at UEFA HQ in Nyon on Friday 4 September. It is scheduled to start at noon (CEST), which is 6am (ET).
How can I watch the Champions League draw?
The draw will be live streamed on UEFA.com
What pot are Barcelona in for the Champions League draw?
As Champions League title holders, and the side ranked first in the five-year UEFA Club Coefficient Ranking, Barcelona are of course in pot 1.
Who can Barcelona face in the Champions League draw?
Pot 1
Barcelona Femení
OL Lyonnes
Chelsea
Bayern Munich
Arsenal
Paris Saint-Germain
Pot 2
Real Madrid
Juventus
BK Häcken
AS Roma
Benfica
Paris FC
Pot 3
Manchester City
Oud-Heverlee Leuven
HB Køge
Austrian Wien
Internazionale Milano
Servette Chênois
Who can Barcelona not face in the Champions League?
No two clubs from the same country can face each-other in the draw. Thus, Barça Femení will not be drawn against fellow Liga F side Real Madrid.
How does the Champions League league phase draw work?
Barcelona will play six matches, three in Catalonia and three on the European road. The Blaugrana will play two teams from each pot, one at home and one away.
From pot 1, they have previously met Arsenal, Chelsea and Lyon in Champions Leeague Finals, as well as Bayern Munich last season. A clash with Paris Saint-Germain would be the pair's first since the 2021 semi-finals.
Over in pot 2, Barça have never previously met Juventus, BK Häcken or Benfica, but did meet Roma and Paris FC during last year's league phase.
Lastly, the pot 3 team to avoid is, without doubt, Manchester City. The Sky Blues won last season's WSL title, and only have such a low ranking due to a few years out of Europe. Were Barça to avoid the Citizens, they would face two new opponents, having never previously come across any of Internazionale Milano, Oud-Heverlee Leuven, Austria Wien, HB Køge nor Servette Chênois.
In last season's league phase, Barça finished top with five wins and a draw, scoring 20 goals. In fact, since the competition changed format, they have won 26 of 30 group stage or league phase matches. Their only defeats have come on the road against Bayern Munich in Bavaria in 2022 and Manchester City at the Academy Stadium two years later.
Fair to say, they are favourites to top the table again.
Where will Barcelona play their Champions League matches?
Barça Femení's home is Estadi Johan Cruyff, a 6,000 capacity venue located in Sant Joan Despí. They do play selected matches at Camp Nou, likely to do so in the Champions League once the knockout stages get underway.
Champions League 2026/27 league phase dates
League phase draw: Friday 4 August - Midday (CEST) start.
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.
