Defending Champion Arsenal Opens Revamped UWCL Against Eight-Time Winner Lyon

The Women's Champions League has started its new league-based format, replacing the previous group stage, with 18 teams competing in a 54-game phase that ends in December. Defending champions Arsenal opened their campaign against eight-time winners Lyon in a rematch of last season's semifinals, where Arsenal had triumphed before winning the title. Arsenal faces challenges, including a recent poor run in the league and the absence of captain Leah Williamson due to injury, which has affected their defensive strength. Lyon, bolstered by new signings like Jule Brand and Marie-Antoinette Katoto, are in strong form and leading their domestic league undefeated. The tournament's structure advances the top four teams directly to the quarterfinals, while teams ranked 5th to 12th enter a knockout playoff round, making early matches highly competitive. Other contenders such as Barcelona are also adapting, retaining key players and developing young talent amid off-field financial issues, setting the stage for an intense competition leading to the finals in Oslo next May.