Complete match previews, tactical breakdowns, and betting analysis as Europe's elite clash in midweek action
Welcome back for more European action after what can only be described as a thoroughly entertaining opening matches of the Women's Champions League, that served up everything from Barcelona's seven-goal masterclass to some genuinely surprising results. If you thought Matchday 1 was spicy, buckle up because Gameweek 2 is shaping up to be even more delicious.
League Context & Current Standings
After one round of fixtures, the pecking order is starting to establish itself, though not quite in the way many expected. Barcelona sit pretty at the top with their +6 goal difference after absolutely demolishing Bayern Munich 7-1, which frankly was the kind of performance that reminded everyone why they're the defending champions.
Atlético Madrid and Real Madrid have both made impressive statements, with Atlético crushing St. Pölten 6-0 and Real Madrid putting six past Roma. The Spanish clubs are clearly not messing about this season. Wolfsburg also announced their arrival with authority, dismantling PSG 4-0 in what was arguably the most surprising result of the opening round.
Meanwhile, defending champions Arsenal find themselves in the uncomfortable position of having to look up at everyone after their shock 2-1 defeat to Lyon. Nothing quite says "defending champions curse" like losing your opener at home, does it?
The current top scorers paint an interesting picture. We have seven players tied on two goals each, including Barcelona's Ewa Pajor and Clàudia Pina, Atlético's Fiamma Iannuzzi, Real Madrid's Alba Redondo and Caroline Weir, Juventus's Cecilia Salvai, and Lyon's Melchie Dumornay. It's early days, but these names are worth keeping an eye on for your various betting markets.
Wednesday 15th October Fixtures
Lyon vs St. Pölten
18:45 CET | Venue: Groupama Stadium, Lyon
If you're looking for a confidence-booster of a fixture, this is probably it. Lyon, fresh off their impressive comeback victory against Arsenal, welcome Austrian side St. Pölten who were on the receiving end of Atlético Madrid's six-goal thrashing in their opener.
Team News
Lyon should have a relatively clean bill of health after their heroics at Arsenal. Melchie Dumornay, who scored twice in that London victory, will be the key threat. St. Pölten, meanwhile, will be desperate to put their Matchday 1 nightmare behind them.
Tactical Analysis
This feels like a mismatch on paper. Lyon's quality throughout their squad should be far too much for St. Pölten to handle, and you'd expect the French side to rack up a comfortable victory margin.
Betting Analysis
Lyon are overwhelming favorites here, and rightly so. The handicap markets might offer better value than the straight win, while over 3.5 goals looks very appealing given both teams' contrasting form. Lyon to win by 3+ goals at decent odds seems like the play.
Vålerenga vs Wolfsburg
18:45 CET | Venue: Intility Arena, Oslo
This could be the most intriguing fixture of Wednesday evening. Vålerenga suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Manchester United in their opener, while Wolfsburg made the biggest statement of Matchday 1 with their 4-0 demolition of PSG.
Team News
Both sides should have relatively clean bills of health. Wolfsburg will be riding high on confidence after their PSG performance, with Alexandra Popp and the attacking unit looking particularly sharp.
Tactical Analysis
Wolfsburg's high-pressing, aggressive style caused PSG all sorts of problems, and you'd expect them to employ similar tactics here. Vålerenga will need to be much more clinical than they were against United if they're to get anything from this game.
Betting Analysis
Wolfsburg are rightfully favored, and their superior quality should tell over the 90 minutes. The away win looks like solid value, while under 2.5 goals might be worth a punt given Vålerenga's defensive solidity at home.
Roma vs Barcelona
21:00 CET | Venue: Stadio Tre Fontane, Rome
Now this is where things get interesting. Roma were comprehensively outclassed 6-2 by Real Madrid in their opener, but facing Barcelona at home presents both a massive challenge and an opportunity to bounce back.
Team News
Barcelona should have their stars available, with Ewa Pajor and Clàudia Pina both on the scoresheet in their 7-1 win over Bayern. Roma will need to vastly improve on their defensive showing against Madrid.
Tactical Analysis
Barcelona's possession-based approach will test Roma's ability to maintain defensive discipline for 90 minutes. The Spanish giants' movement and pace in the final third could prove decisive.
Betting Analysis
Barcelona are heavy favorites, and it's hard to argue with that assessment. However, Roma at home might offer more resistance than Bayern did. Barcelona to win and over 2.5 goals looks like a solid combination.
Chelsea vs Paris FC
21:00 CET | Venue: Stamford Bridge, London
Chelsea will be looking to bounce back from their disappointing 1-1 draw at Twente, while Paris FC earned a creditable 2-2 draw with Leuven in their opener.
Team News
Chelsea should have a relatively full squad available. Sonia Bompastor will be expecting a much-improved performance from her side after they failed to break down Twente's resilient defense.
Tactical Analysis
This should be far more straightforward for Chelsea than their trip to the Netherlands. Playing at Stamford Bridge, they'll expect to dominate possession and create numerous chances against a Paris FC side that will likely sit deep and try to hit on the counter.
Betting Analysis
Chelsea are strong favorites, and the 2.00 odds for a home win look reasonable. Both teams to score "No" at 1.80 also appears attractive given Chelsea's defensive capabilities.
OH Leuven vs FC Twente
21:00 CET | Venue: Den Dreef, Leuven
The battle of the Matchday 1 draw specialists. Leuven earned a 2-2 draw away at Paris FC, while Twente frustrated Chelsea in a 1-1 stalemate.
Team News
Both sides should have full squads available for this encounter. Twente showed they can compete with top-level opposition against Chelsea, while Leuven demonstrated character in Paris.
Tactical Analysis
This could be a fascinating tactical battle between two well-organized sides. Twente's ability to frustrate Chelsea suggests they know how to set up defensively, while Leuven's away point shows they can handle pressure situations.
Betting Analysis
This feels like the most open fixture of the evening. Twente's superior pedigree gives them a slight edge, but Leuven at home could prove stubborn. Over 2.5 goals based on both teams' recent form looks appealing.
Thursday 16th October Fixtures
Atlético Madrid vs Manchester United
18:45 CET | Venue: Centro Deportivo Wanda, Alcalá de Henares
Here's your headline fixture of the round. Atlético Madrid, fresh off their 6-0 demolition of St. Pölten, host Manchester United, who ground out a 1-0 victory over Vålerenga.
Team News
Atlético will be brimming with confidence after their opening statement. United showed defensive resilience in Oslo but will need to be far more adventurous in attack if they're to trouble Atlético.
Tactical Analysis
This represents a massive step up in class for both sides. Atlético's attacking firepower, led by the impressive Fiamma Iannuzzi, will test United's defensive resolve. United's compact approach might frustrate Atlético, but the Spanish side's home advantage could prove decisive.
Betting Analysis
Atlético are slight favorites, and their home advantage combined with superior squad depth should see them through. Over 1.5 goals looks a banker given both teams' attacking capabilities.
Bayern Munich vs Juventus
21:00 CET | Venue: FC Bayern Campus, Munich
Bayern Munich will be desperate to bounce back from their 7-1 humbling at Barcelona, while Juventus earned a solid 2-1 victory over Benfica in their opener.
Team News
Bayern will need to show character after their Barcelona nightmare. Klara Bühl scored in that defeat and will be key to their response. Juventus will be confident after Cecilia Salvai's match-winning double.
Tactical Analysis
Bayern's high defensive line was brutally exposed by Barcelona, and they'll need to find a better balance against a Juventus side that showed clinical finishing against Benfica. This could be a fascinating tactical battle between two sides with contrasting fortunes on Matchday 1.
Betting Analysis
Despite their Barcelona defeat, Bayern at home remain dangerous. However, Juventus's perfect start gives them confidence. This could be the upset of the round. Draw no bet on Juventus might offer value.
Paris Saint-Germain vs Real Madrid
21:00 CET | Venue: Campus PSG, Paris
The meeting of two giants, though both find themselves in very different moods. PSG were humiliated 4-0 by Wolfsburg, while Real Madrid announced their arrival with a stunning 6-2 victory over Roma.
Team News
PSG will be looking to quickly forget their Wolfsburg nightmare and get back to basics. Real Madrid's attacking trio of Alba Redondo, Caroline Weir, and Linda Caicedo were all on target against Roma.
Tactical Analysis
PSG's defensive frailties were ruthlessly exposed by Wolfsburg, and Real Madrid possess the attacking quality to exploit similar weaknesses. Madrid's pace and movement could cause PSG's backline all sorts of problems.
Betting Analysis
Real Madrid's superior form makes them favorites here. The Spanish side's attacking prowess should see them score multiple goals, making over 2.5 goals an attractive proposition.
Benfica vs Arsenal
21:00 CET | Venue: Estádio da Luz, Lisbon
The defending champions Arsenal face a potential banana skin in Lisbon. Benfica lost 2-1 to Juventus in their opener, while Arsenal suffered a shock 2-1 defeat to Lyon.
Team News
Arsenal will likely be without Rosa Kafaji through injury, but should otherwise have a full squad available. Renée Slegers will be demanding a response from her players after their disappointing start.
Tactical Analysis
Arsenal's possession-based approach will be tested by Benfica's likely defensive setup. The Portuguese side will look to exploit any defensive vulnerabilities Arsenal showed against Lyon.
Betting Analysis
Despite their poor start, Arsenal's superior quality should tell. However, Benfica at home could provide stern resistance. Arsenal to win and under 2.5 goals might offer value for those expecting a tight affair.
Key Betting Markets Analysis
Banker Selections
- Lyon to beat St. Pölten - Should be the safest bet of the round
- Barcelona to beat Roma - Quality should tell
- Over 2.5 goals in Real Madrid vs PSG - Both sides have shown attacking intent
Value Opportunities
- Wolfsburg to beat Vålerenga - Impressive opening form at decent odds
- Juventus double chance vs Bayern Munich - Riding confidence wave
- Chelsea clean sheet vs Paris FC - Should dominate at home
Accumulator Suggestions
- Conservative: Lyon, Barcelona, Chelsea wins (decent returns for minimal risk)
- Aggressive: Add Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid wins for enhanced odds
Players to Watch
Melchie Dumornay (Lyon)
Already on two goals and playing with supreme confidence. Against St. Pölten's fragile defense, she could run riot.
Ewa Pajor (Barcelona)
Two goals in the Bayern demolition. Roma's defense will have nightmares about her movement.
Fiamma Iannuzzi (Atlético Madrid)
Two goals in the St. Pölten thrashing. United's defense will need to keep close tabs on her.
Alexandra Popp (Wolfsburg)
The veteran striker was on target against PSG and brings wealth of experience to a confident Wolfsburg side.
Final Predictions
This gameweek should provide more clarity on the tournament's early hierarchy. Barcelona and Real Madrid look strongest so far, while Arsenal need to quickly rediscover their form. The Spanish clubs' impressive starts suggest La Liga Femenina's strength in depth is translating to European success.
Expect goals galore in Lyon vs St. Pölten and Real Madrid vs PSG, while the other fixtures might be tighter affairs as teams still find their rhythm in this new format.
One thing's for certain: if Matchday 1 was anything to go by, we're in for another thrilling round of European action. Just try not to put the mortgage on anything too adventurous -- football has a funny way of humbling even the most confident predictions.