Women’s Champions League 26-27 kicks off with Barcelona as favourite

The UEFA Women’s Champions League 2026-27 gets under way this Tuesday with FC Barcelona as reigning champions, positioned as one of the teams that have dominated Europe in recent years, according to Mundo Deportivo. Coached by Pere Romeu, the club’s aim is clear: go for a fifth continental title and keep its recent success momentum.

The Blaugrana debut tomorrow against Paris FC (21:00, Disney+). Mundo Deportivo notes they reached the final in seven of the last eight campaigns and have collected four Champions League trophies so far. After their emphatic win in the last final—beating OL Lyonnes 4-0—they’ll try to repeat that level.

The challenge of a changing squad

Barcelona’s title defence faces reinforcement-heavy opponents. As the article explains, this summer the club confirmed signings including Van Asten, Kerolin, Martina and McCamey, but also lost Ona Batlle, Salma Paralluelo, Mapi León and Alexia Putellas. Mundo Deportivo adds that Batlle and Paralluelo will be direct opponents this season, while Alexia and Mapi—now with London City under Michele Kang—could meet Barcelona again in next season’s Champions if they qualify.

Beyond Barcelona, the paper points to OL Lyonnes as the top threat, with Jonatan Giráldez on the bench and arrivals such as Salma. It also highlights Arsenal, champions in Lisbon two years ago, who have brought in strong names including former Blaugrana Ona Batlle.

The report also underlines the push from Chelsea, who want to return to the final after losing to Barcelona in Gothenburg in 2021 (4-0). Their recruitment includes players such as McCabe, Malard and Dragoni. With the tournament underway, the Champions League starts with Barcelona aiming to stay at the top—while several rivals have moved early to challenge them.