Arsenal Welcome Lyon to Launch New Women's Champions League Format
Champions Arsenal will begin their Women's Champions League title defence by welcoming eight-time champions Lyon on Tuesday as the elite European club competition introduces its updated structure.
The women's tournament now features an 18-team league phase where each club plays six matches three at home and three away replacing the previous 16-team group stage to align more closely with the men's format.
The top four teams in the standings secure direct qualification for the quarter-finals while those finishing fifth to twelfth will progress to a knockout play-off round.
Given the high stakes involved teams must start strongly.
Reigning champions Arsenal face a challenging opening fixture in the restructured competition as they host French Première Ligue titleholders Lyon at Meadow Park a repeat of last season's semi-final.
Arsenal won the two-legged semi-final 5-3 on aggregate last season but enter this encounter with a recent slump in form.
A 3-2 loss to Women's Super League contenders Manchester City on Saturday followed consecutive draws against Manchester United and Aston Villa dropping Renee Slegers' team to fifth in the table.
Injured captain Leah Williamson's absence has highlighted Arsenal's defensive vulnerabilities during their recent three-match winless streak in the WSL.
"When we gain momentum we must capitalise be ruthless and defend effectively when the tide turns," stated Slegers following Saturday's defeat to Manchester City.
"We will certainly address this and aim to improve however we are focusing ahead on the Lyon match."
"We will do everything possible to bounce back and deliver a strong performance in true Arsenal style on Tuesday," she added.
Lyon meanwhile are in formidable form topping their domestic league with four straight wins and 19 goals scored to date.
Strong Beginnings Under Giraldez
Under new manager Jonatan Giraldez who masterminded Barcelona's European success earlier this decade the signs indicate Lyon are building on their strengths.
Before facing Arsenal they followed a convincing 6-1 victory over last season's runners-up Paris Saint-Germain with an 8-1 demolition of Lens on Friday.
Boasting a frontline featuring Kadidiatou Diani Melchie Dumornay Marie-Antoinette Katoto and new signing Jule Brand the French side possess abundant attacking talent ready to test Arsenal's backline.
Last season's runners-up Barcelona narrowly missed securing a third consecutive Champions League title in May but will be eager to make a statement when they host German powerhouses Bayern Munich on Tuesday.
Several Barcelona players carry additional motivation this term following their Champions League final loss to Arsenal and a penalty shootout defeat to England in the Women's European Championship final in July.
Aitana Bonmati is among those seeking redemption.
Despite securing a third consecutive Ballon d'Or Bonmati aims to move past last season having recovered from viral meningitis over the summer which occurred between the Champions League final loss and missing a decisive penalty in the Euros final shootout.
After scoring five goals in Barcelona's first three Liga F matches the 27-year-old has not found the net since early September.
Undefeated Bayern who sit second in the Frauen-Bundesliga provide an ideal high-profile opportunity for her to respond to critics.
Elsewhere on matchday one English champions Chelsea travel to Dutch club Twente while PSG face two-time winners Wolfsburg in Germany both matches scheduled for Wednesday.
Real Madrid host Roma Manchester United play Norway's Valerenga and Juventus welcome Benfica.