Women's Champions League Matchday 4: Barcelona Face Arsenal

Three matchdays remain in the Women's Champions League league phase. The matches of matchday 4 will be played between Tuesday and Thursday. Chelsea will be on the road against BK Hacken. The most anticipated match of the week, however, is the Barcelona vs Arsenal game on Thursday. OL Lyonnes and Juventus will also meet in an important match. Real Madrid and Manchester City, who have yet to win, must take points this week.

Barcelona have scored 19 goals in three matches and sit top of the table with 9 points. The team secured a big win by beating HB Koge 8-0. Claudia Pina stood out in that match with two goals and two assists. The reigning champions have not suffered a dip in form despite the departures of Alexia Putellas and Salma Paralluelo from the squad.

Arsenal are third in the table with 7 points. It cannot be said that the team has been consistent since the start of the tournament. After a last-minute penalty saved a point in their first match, the Gunners then drew a game in which they had given up a two-goal lead. The more convincing win over Benfica, however, put the team in a good position in the table. Head coach Renee Slegers rallied her team against Barcelona two seasons ago. Alessa Russo, meanwhile, is almost unstoppable in front of goal these days.

The real battle of the match will be in midfield. If Arsenal can prevent Barcelona from comfortably circulating the ball, they can create clear chances. Otherwise, Barcelona may dictate the game on their own terms, as they have done throughout the tournament.