A guide to the UEFA Women's Champions League

The UEFA Women’s Champions League is the pinnacle of Women’s European professional football. With top-flight clubs fighting to be named champions of Europe, the competition is fast growing in popularity. Last summer, UEFA published that attendance to games has increased by more than 100% in the past four years. 

Arsenal have been named champions of Europe once in the club’s history, and the trophy more desired than ever by Arsenal supporters.

What is the UEFA Women’s Champions League?

Originally named the UEFA Women's Cup, the competition began in 2001, and then only featured 33 teams. Frankfurt claimed victory in the inaugural season, defeating their opponents 2-0. Over the past two decades since then, the number of participating teams has steadily increased, with now a total of 45 teams competing.

The prestigious competition has evolved in format during this time, notably in 2008, when it was rebranded as the UEFA Women’s Champions League – a season that saw a total of 53 teams vie for the trophy. The format then evolved once again during the 2021/22 season, marking a shift in both financial backing and popularity.

Since the UEFA Women’s Euros in 2022, the profile of women’s football has surged, leading to increased visibility and attendance at UEFA Women’s Champions League matches.

How the UEFA Women’s Champions League works

To play in the UEFA Women’s Champions League (UWCL), qualification depends on a country's domestic league strength and club performance. The UWCL has two qualification routes: the Champions Path and the League Path.

For clubs in the Barclays Women’s Super League, like Arsenal, the champions qualify directly for the group stage, while the second-placed team enters at Round 2 and the third-placed team at Round 1. Once 16 teams qualify, they compete in four groups, with the top two advancing to the knockout rounds, culminating in a single final match at a neutral venue.

A Champions League night under the lights is known colloquially to football supporters as the pinnacle of football experiences. The road towards the final, and especially the jeopardy of the knockout rounds, brings a different layer of excitement around fixtures from the domestic league – meaning these fixtures are certain to have a supercharged atmosphere.

How will the UEFA Women’s Champions League format change from the 2025/26 season?

From next season, the UWCL will evolve once again, shifting from its current group-stage format to a single-league structure.

In the new format, 18 teams will compete in a league phase where each club will face six different opponents—three at home and three away.

The top four teams from the league phase will automatically qualify for the quarter-finals. Teams finishing in 5th to 12th place will enter a two-legged knockout play-off to secure their spot in the quarter-finals, while those ranked 13th to 18th will be eliminated. From the quarter-finals onward, the competition will proceed with its traditional knockout format.

The history of the UEFA Women’s Champions League and Arsenal’s legacy

In the late 1990s, women’s football experienced a rapid surge in popularity. National leagues across Europe had grown stronger, and international tournaments like the FIFA Women’s World Cup and the UEFA Women’s EURO were starting to draw increasing crowds.

However, there was no formal continental club competition for women—nothing comparable to the prestigious UEFA Champions League on the men’s side.

In response to the growing demand from clubs, players, and supporters, UEFA introduced the UEFA Women’s Cup in 2001. This was a significant milestone in the history of women's football, paving the way for the prestigious Women’s Champions League we know today.

In the 2006/07 season, under manager Vic Akers, Arsenal Women won an unprecedented quadruple – the UEFA Women’s Cup, Premier League, FA Cup, Premier League Cup – without losing a single game in any competition. 

Facing the Swedish side Umeå IK in the final of the UEFA Women’s Cup Arsenal Women emerged victorious with a crucial goal from Alex Scott that secured the final 1–0 on aggregate scoreline.

The impact of Arsenal Stadium on the UEFA Women’s Champions League

There’s nothing quite like experiencing UEFA Women’s Champions League football first-hand, and the home of the Arsenal in N5 is the perfect stage.  With a ‘bring the noise’ section, a family area, multiple restaurants, bars and kiosks – there’s really something for everyone.

Having played five UWCL games in north London to date, in front of a combined total of more than 90,000 supporters Arsenal Women have cemented Arsenal Stadium as a destination for European football. Arsenal recently secured a 3-0 victory (3-2 on aggregate) over Real Madrid, securing a place in the Semi-Finals. The upcoming match will be against Olympique Lyonnais, with the first leg scheduled to take place at home on Saturday, April 19.

How can hospitality tickets enhance your UEFA experience?

A Champions League fixture is the perfect opportunity to treat yourself to an extra special matchday.

Experience delicious, locally sourced small plates, vibrant cocktails - and refreshing mocktails pre-match in one of the iconic bars at the stadium, such as the Women’s Super Lounge - a perfect place to enjoy catch up with family, friends or a special someone throughout the afternoon before soaking in the on-pitch action from your luxe seats.

Or, celebrate in a group, and hang out in your own exclusive Executive Box. Arsenal’s boxes, are a great place to have your own private party with your loved ones inside the stadium on matchday. From £175 per person for yourself and your guests*, you can enjoy delicious private dining, all-inclusive drinks, and get really in on the action with an epic view of the pitch from box level seats.

Arsenal Women have so far had an incredible run in the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League and as they continue to play at the top-level, for players and supporters alike, the desire to be named Champions of Europe once again is stronger than ever.