English clubs stumble as Women's Champions League returns

Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City all won their opening matches, but performances raised questions about whether they can challenge Europe's elite.

Sep 24, 2026

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English clubs stumble as Women's Champions League returns

Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City all won their opening matches, but performances raised questions about whether they can challenge Europe's elite.

In brief

Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City all won their opening matches, but performances raised questions about whether they can challenge Europe's elite. England's three Champions League representatives showed defensive vulnerabilities and attacking inconsistency against weaker opposition, while Barcelona and Lyon…

English trio start with mixed results

Arsenal and Chelsea won narrow home matches while Manchester City drew 2-2 at Bayern Munich. All three got points, but performances lacked conviction against their opening opponents.

City shows character in Munich comeback

Manchester City recovered from 2-0 down to draw with Bayern Munich, with summer signings Beth Mead and Carlotta Wamser scoring their first goals for the club.

Arsenal struggles against lower-ranked sides

Arsenal struggles against lower-ranked sides

Arsenal needed a 95th-minute penalty to beat Danish minnows HB Koge despite dominating possession. They managed only two shots on target and have now scored just two goals in three league matches.

Chelsea shows promise but defensive cracks

Chelsea won 1-0 with bright attacking play from summer signing Melvine Malard and Alyssa Thompson, but conceded control in midfield and allowed Austria Vienna several dangerous chances.

Barcelona and Lyon announce their intent

Last season's finalists made commanding statements. Lyon thrashed Servette 8-0 with Marie-Antoinette Katoto scoring a hat-trick, while Barcelona came from behind to beat Paris FC 5-2.

Questions loom for English challengers

Questions loom for English challengers

Arsenal's wastefulness, Chelsea's midfield fragility and City's reliance on comebacks suggest the English clubs face an uphill battle against Europe's established powers in the race for Warsaw.

The key point

England's three Champions League representatives showed defensive vulnerabilities and attacking inconsistency against weaker opposition, while Barcelona and Lyon announced themselves as genuine threats.

Read the original on BBC Sport

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