Barcelona begin the defence of their European crown on Wednesday night, 123 days after lifting a fourth Women’s Champions League trophy in Oslo. Paris FC arrive at the Estadi Johan Cruyff for the opening matchday of the league phase, facing the team every challenger wants to bring down.
Quick facts
- Match: Barcelona v Paris FC
- Competition: Women’s Champions League, league phase, matchday one
- Date and time: Wednesday 23 September, 21:00
- Venue: Estadi Johan Cruyff
- Barcelona are defending European champions after their fourth title in Oslo.
- Paris FC finished as runners-up in the French league last season.
Pere Romeu’s Barcelona enter the new continental campaign determined to compete for every trophy again. There have been notable departures from last season’s squad, but the champions retain their possession-heavy, attacking identity and have players in sharp form at the top end of the pitch.
Claudia Pina remains one of Barcelona’s key attacking threats, while Poland forward Ewa Pajor gives the holders a focal point capable of deciding a European evening quickly. The opening fixture is the first step in a league phase where every point will matter in the race for direct qualification to the knockout rounds.
For Paris FC, the trip to Catalonia is an immediate examination of their European ambitions. Sandrine Soubeyrand’s side arrive with the motivation of measuring themselves against the reigning champions rather than merely containing them.
The French runners-up are expected to stay compact in a low defensive block and look to exploit any opening on the break. Against Barcelona, a disciplined night without the ball could be essential, but Paris FC will also need to make their limited attacking moments count.
The contest gives Barcelona an early chance to set the tone for another long European season, while Paris FC can make an immediate statement if they leave the Estadi Johan Cruyff with a result. Kick-off is at 21:00 on Wednesday 23 September.
