The UEFA Women's Champions League delivered plenty of drama and intrigue this week as the group stage kicked off with high expectations and some surprising results. Manchester United, Chelsea, and other European giants took to the pitch, each with their eyes firmly set on continental glory. With the new and expanded league-phase format now in full swing, every point matters more than ever, and the competition is already heating up.
Manchester United fans had plenty to cheer about as their team hosted Norway’s Vålerenga at Old Trafford on October 3, 2025. This fixture marked a significant chapter in United’s ongoing rise in women’s football, especially after finishing fourth in the FA Women’s Super League last season—a result that secured their place among Europe’s elite. The Red Devils, managed by Marc Skinner, fielded a lineup featuring standout talents Ella Toone and Mary Earps, both of whom have become household names not just in Manchester but across the footballing world. Earps, in particular, continues to impress after winning the Golden Glove at the 2023 UEFA Women’s Euro, reinforcing her status as one of the top goalkeepers on the continent.
As the match unfolded, United’s dominance became apparent, but Vålerenga, third-place finishers in Norway’s Toppserien last season, proved a stubborn opponent. The Norwegian side, led by the agile and ever-dangerous Emilie Haavi, were determined to make their mark in the Champions League and build on the strong tradition of Norwegian clubs in European women’s football. Historical heavyweights like LSK Kvinner and Stabæk have blazed a trail for clubs like Vålerenga, and there’s a real sense that the Norwegian league is investing in talent and infrastructure to keep up with Europe’s best.
The breakthrough came in the 31st minute when United captain Maya Le Tissier coolly converted a penalty, giving the home side a slender lead. It was a moment that showcased both composure and confidence—qualities that Skinner has instilled in his squad. Despite Vålerenga’s best efforts, including several probing runs from Haavi, United’s defense held firm, anchored by the ever-reliable Earps between the sticks. The 1-0 result reflected a hard-fought contest, with United’s home advantage once again proving decisive. Last season, the Red Devils won 12 matches at Old Trafford, a testament to their growing fortress mentality on home soil.
"It was important for us to get off to a winning start at home," said Skinner after the match, echoing the sentiments of a crowd that’s grown increasingly passionate about women’s football. The FA has reported a significant uptick in attendance across the Women’s Super League, and Old Trafford was no exception, with fans turning out in force to support their team and the broader cause of women’s sport. Local initiatives to encourage girls to take up football are bearing fruit, and the atmosphere at these matches is more electric than ever.
Across Europe, the stakes were just as high. Chelsea, the six-time defending English champions, traveled to the Netherlands to face Dutch league leaders Twente on October 8, 2025. With heavy investment and sky-high expectations—some pundits have said, "It’s a non-negotiable that Chelsea win the Champions League this year"—the Blues were under pressure to deliver. However, coach Sonia Bompastor opted for a bold approach, making eight changes to her starting lineup. The gamble nearly backfired when Twente captain Danique Van Ginkel curled a stunning shot past Chelsea’s Swiss goalkeeper Livia Peng in the 63rd minute, sending the home crowd into raptures.
But Chelsea, never a side to wilt under pressure, responded quickly. In the 71st minute, France winger Sandy Baltimore stepped up and converted a penalty after a clear foul in the box, leveling the score at 1-1. Bompastor then brought on star forward Sam Kerr and 16-year-old defender Chloe Sarwie in search of a winner. Sarwie came close with a rising shot, but the Dutch side held on for a memorable draw. For Chelsea, who have endured three straight semifinal exits—each time falling to Barcelona, including the 2021 final—the quest for a maiden European title continues to be fraught with challenges and near-misses.
The opening week of the new league-phase format saw 18 teams vying for supremacy, with the top four advancing directly to the quarterfinals and teams ranked 5th to 12th entering a knockout playoff round. The bottom six face elimination, making every result critical. The league phase will run through December 2025, and with so much talent on display, predicting who will emerge on top is anyone’s guess.
Elsewhere, the competition saw some emphatic statements. Germany’s Alexandra Popp, still a force at 34, starred for Wolfsburg in a commanding 4-0 win over Paris Saint-Germain. Popp’s relentless pressure and leadership were instrumental, as she scored a diving header and set up another goal. In Spain, both Madrid clubs made headlines: Real Madrid brushed aside Roma 6-2, while Atletico Madrid raced to a 6-0 victory at St. Pölten. Not to be outdone, Barcelona delivered a standout display with a 7-1 demolition of Bayern Munich earlier in the week.
The broader impact of this Champions League season extends beyond the pitch. According to FIFA, the global women’s football market is projected to expand rapidly in the coming years, thanks to increased media coverage, lucrative sponsorship deals, and growing fan engagement. The success of national teams, such as England’s Lionesses, has inspired a new generation of players and supporters, while clubs across Europe are investing in facilities and youth development at unprecedented levels.
Social media has played a crucial role in this transformation, allowing clubs and players to connect directly with fans, share highlights, and build communities that transcend borders. As attendance records continue to fall and the quality of play rises, it’s clear that women’s football is entering a golden era.
As the Champions League group stage continues, all eyes will be on the next round of fixtures. Manchester United will look to build on their strong start, while Chelsea must regroup and find their winning formula if they’re to finally conquer Europe. With so much talent, ambition, and unpredictability on display, fans are in for a thrilling ride all the way to December—and beyond.
