Champions League

Layzell and Shaw Propel Manchester City to Victory Over WCL Defending Champions Barcelona Manchester City made a powerful statement about their ambitions in this season's Women’s Champions League by delivering an impressive performance that saw them defeat the reigning champions, Barcelona, in their opening group-stage match. The match showcased a high level of technical skill from both teams, providing a thrilling spectacle for fans. Naomi Layzell and Khadija Shaw each found the back of the net, securing a memorable win for the English side that will be remembered as one of the club's finest achievements.

**Manchester City vs Barcelona: Women’s Champions League – Live Updates** Join us for live updates from the highly anticipated Women’s Champions League match kicking off at 8pm BST. In other news, Vålerenga recently celebrated a historic achievement, aiming to inspire young girls in Norway through football. Feel free to check the live scoreboard for real-time updates. If you have any thoughts or comments, you can reach out via email. This match promises to be exciting, so while you can take a break, we hope you’ll return for all the action! For a detailed preview of the match, be sure to check out Tom Garry’s insights.

Bayern Munich vs. Arsenal: Women’s Champions League – Live Updates - Stay tuned for updates from the 5:45 PM BST kick-off. - In related news, Vålerenga's historic day is inspiring Norwegian girls in football. - For live scores and updates, feel free to share your thoughts via email. **3 min:** Arsenal is working to establish control in the match. Summer signing Mariona Caldentey receives the ball in midfield but is quickly dispossessed, allowing Bayern to regain possession. Arsenal has kicked off the match, playing in their black away kit and moving from left to right. Continue following the action as it unfolds!

**Vålerenga Aims to Inspire Norwegian Girls as They Enter Champions League** The Norwegian champions, Vålerenga, are set to make history as they prepare for their inaugural Champions League group stage match against Juventus. This milestone not only marks a significant achievement for the club but also serves as a platform for future aspirations. Manager Nils Lexerød reflects on the momentous occasion, stating that the Champions League group stage has been the club's primary goal since he took charge in January 2022. "This objective has driven us from day one," he explains. "Everything we’ve done has been with the aim of reaching this milestone. To be here now is a major achievement for everyone involved – players, staff, and supporters alike. It marks a proud moment in the club’s history." As the team walks out at the Intility Arena in Oslo, they carry the hopes of their supporters and the ambition to inspire young girls across Norway. This historic match is not just a celebration of their hard work but also a stepping stone towards greater aspirations in women's football.

**Chelsea vs. Real Madrid: Women’s Champions League – Live Updates** Stay tuned for live updates from the Women’s Champions League match kicking off at 8pm BST. **Chelsea Starting XI (4-3-3 Formation):** Goalkeeper: Hampton Defenders: Bronze, Bright, Björn, Baltimore Midfielders: Kaptein, Nüsken Forwards: James, Rytting Kaneryd, Ramírez, Reiten **Substitutes:** Musovic, Lawrence, Périsset, Mpomé, Bartel, Jean François, Hamano, Beever-Jones. Feel free to share your thoughts via email!

**Bronze Optimistic About Chelsea's Champions League Prospects** Lucy Bronze is confident that Chelsea has all the necessary elements to finally secure a Women's Champions League title. As the English champions gear up to kick off their European campaign against Real Madrid, Bronze believes the club is in a strong position both on and off the pitch. In a recent conversation with Chelsea's manager, Sonia Bompastor, Bronze reflected on the team's potential. "Sonia asked me what I thought was missing at Chelsea, and I told her, 'Nothing, they’ve got everything,'" Bronze shared. Bompastor agreed, acknowledging the team's comprehensive strengths. With her extensive experience, including five Champions League titles, Bronze is well-equipped to evaluate Chelsea's chances. She has a close relationship with Bompastor and her assistant, Camille Abily, stemming from her time at Lyon, further enhancing her insights into the club's capabilities.

Celtic’s Elena Sadiku: ‘That infection made me question everything. I was scared of losing my life’ Elena Sadiku, a remarkable figure in football, reflects on her journey from a life-threatening infection to becoming the youngest coach in Champions League history. At just 30 years old, she is set to lead her Celtic team against Twente in the Women’s Champions League, marking a significant milestone in her career. Sadiku’s path has been anything but ordinary. At the age of 23, she faced a severe infection that nearly cost her a leg and made her confront the fragility of life. “That infection made me question everything,” she admits. “I was scared of losing my life.” This harrowing experience has shaped her perspective on both football and life itself. Despite the challenges, Sadiku’s confidence shines through as she reflects on her past as a player. “I was pretty good,” she acknowledges, a statement that is both humble and self-assured. Her journey has been marked by resilience and determination, leading her to this pivotal moment in her coaching career. On Tuesday, when she takes the field as Celtic’s head coach, she will break the record previously held by Julian Nagelsmann, becoming the youngest coach in the history of European football’s premier club competition, regardless of gender. This achievement is a testament to her hard work and dedication to the sport. As she prepares for the match, Sadiku embodies the spirit of perseverance, proving that even in the face of adversity, success is within reach.

David Squires explores the phenomenon of CBS sharing viral Champions League clips across social media, highlighting the amusing behind-the-scenes antics that occur during the production of UCL Today, the network's midweek content generator. In his latest cartoon, Squires captures the essence of the studio's lively atmosphere, showcasing the playful interactions among the hosts and crew as they create engaging content for football fans. For those interested in Squires' work, there’s an opportunity to purchase a cartoon from his collection or to pre-order his upcoming book, "Chaos in the Box," which promises to deliver more of his unique perspective on the world of sports. Squires' insightful and humorous take on the intersection of football and media continues to resonate with audiences, making his work a must-see for fans of the game.

**Champions League Trend Watch: French Clubs Rise as Celtic and Atlético Falter** In the latest round of Champions League action, we witnessed a mix of triumphs and setbacks, highlighted by Aston Villa's emotional victory and a stunning performance from Borussia Dortmund. **Aston Villa** - The atmosphere at Villa Park was electric as Aston Villa celebrated a historic 1-0 win over Bayern Munich, marking the German giants' first group-stage defeat since 2017. The match raised questions about Vincent Kompany's coaching credentials at this level, while Villa's manager, Unai Emery, showcased his tactical prowess once again. In a showdown between two World Cup-winning goalkeepers, it was Emi Martínez who stole the spotlight, outshining Manuel Neuer. The decisive goal came from Jhon Durán, whose exquisite first-time finish caught Neuer off guard. Durán, who was nearly sold in the summer, has emerged as a key player, scoring six times this season, five of which have come from the bench. His addition to an already formidable attacking lineup, featuring talents like Ollie Watkins, Jaden Philogene, Morgan Rogers, and Jacob Ramsey, has made Villa a force to be reckoned with. The pride and emotion in the stands were palpable as Villa Park celebrated this significant victory. As the Champions League progresses, the rise of French clubs and the struggles of teams like Celtic and Atlético Madrid are becoming notable trends. The competition continues to deliver thrilling moments and unexpected outcomes.

In the latest episode of the Football Weekly Extra podcast, host Max Rushden is joined by panelists Barry Glendenning, Lars Sivertsen, and Nicky Bandini to delve into the recent Champions League matches. The discussion kicks off with Aston Villa's impressive performance at Villa Park, where they secured a remarkable victory over Bayern Munich, highlighted by a stunning goal from Jhon Durán. The panel debates whether Durán is too talented to remain on the bench for Villa and explores the potential of Unai Emery's team as they progress in the tournament. Listeners are encouraged to rate, review, and share the podcast on various platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Soundcloud, Audioboom, Mixcloud, Acast, and Stitcher. They can also engage with the podcast community on social media or via email. Tune in to hear insights and analysis on all the Champions League action from Wednesday's matches.