Three English sides have reached the quarter-finals of the Women’s Champions League this season — but does that success reflect a softer path under the new competition format, or simply the growing strength of the Women’s Super League (WSL)?
Manchester United, playing in the main draw for the first time in their history, secured a dominant 5-0 aggregate victory over Atletico Madrid to book their place in the last eight. Arsenal also progressed through the play-off route with an emphatic 7-1 aggregate win over OH Leuven. Meanwhile, Chelsea advanced automatically after finishing in the top four of the newly introduced league phase.
With the revamped structure debuting this season, the question arises: has the new format favoured English teams, or have they earned their progress the hard way?
A Tougher Road Than It Looks?
At first glance, three English clubs reaching the quarter-finals might suggest favourable draws. However, a closer look reveals a far more challenging journey.
Arsenal, the reigning champions, began their campaign against eight-time winners Lyon — a heavyweight clash that immediately tested their credentials. They were defeated in that fixture and also lost to Bayern Munich during the league phase, leaving them under pressure to secure qualification.
Victories against Real Madrid and FC Twente proved crucial, allowing Arsenal to finish fifth in the standings. That position sent them into the knockout play-offs, where they were paired with Belgian debutants OH Leuven — a tie widely viewed as manageable compared to potential clashes with established European powers such as Wolfsburg or Juventus.
Still, Arsenal manager Renee Slegers dismissed any notion that progression came easily. She pointed out that Leuven had caused problems for several teams and that Arsenal’s clinical performance, rather than fortune, proved decisive.
Manchester United’s campaign was arguably even more demanding. Before reaching the league phase, they navigated three qualifying rounds, including a comeback victory over Brann. Once in the competition proper, they faced Wolfsburg, Juventus, and Lyon — a group that tested their tactical adaptability and resilience.
United manager Marc Skinner insisted the journey had been anything but straightforward, crediting exposure to varied European styles for accelerating his side’s development.
Chelsea, despite qualifying directly for the quarter-finals as one of the top four teams in the league phase, also faced stiff opposition. They encountered Barcelona and Wolfsburg — both established continental contenders — during the group stage.
With Arsenal awaiting them in the next round, and potential meetings with Lyon or Barcelona further ahead, Chelsea’s route to the final remains far from simple.
What Has Changed in the New Format?
This season introduced a new league phase involving 18 teams. Each side plays six different opponents — either home or away — rather than the previous system of four-team groups playing home and away matches.
Under the revised structure:
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The top four teams advance directly to the quarter-finals.
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The bottom six are eliminated.
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The remaining eight enter a seeded play-off round.
Previously, only the top two teams from each group progressed, often creating high-pressure head-to-head deciders between elite sides.
Some observers believe the league phase reduces the risk for bigger clubs. In the old format, a single defeat in a tight group could dramatically impact qualification prospects. Under the new structure, there appears to be more margin for recovery across six matches.
Arsenal’s experience may illustrate that point. Despite losing two league-phase matches, they still qualified comfortably and secured a favourable play-off draw. Critics argue this safety net protects stronger teams from early elimination.
However, it is worth noting that the quarter-final lineup still largely consists of familiar European heavyweights. Manchester United’s presence is the exception rather than the rule — suggesting that dominance at the top remains intact.
Slegers herself cautioned against drawing sweeping conclusions from one season, noting that the format’s long-term impact will become clearer over time.
English Clubs on the Rise
While debate continues over structural advantages, there is little doubt that English teams have significantly strengthened in Europe.
Arsenal remain the only English club to have won the Women’s Champions League, lifting the trophy twice. Yet as recently as 2023-24, they failed to progress beyond qualifying rounds.
Last season marked a dramatic turnaround. Arsenal played 15 matches en route to the final, where they stunned Barcelona to claim the title. Their success reflected sustained growth rather than overnight transformation.
Chelsea, meanwhile, have established themselves as consistent contenders. They have reached the semi-finals in three consecutive seasons and were runners-up in 2021. Although Barcelona have repeatedly blocked their path, Chelsea’s European pedigree is now unquestioned.
Former England international Fara Williams has pointed to the overall growth of the Women’s Super League as a driving factor behind this progress. Increased investment, improved facilities, and deeper squad depth have enhanced competitiveness across the board.
Manchester City’s past struggles in Europe — including early qualifying exits in 2022 and 2023 — demonstrate how difficult continental competition can be. Yet Manchester United’s breakthrough this season signals that English representation at the highest level is broadening.
United’s defensive record, featuring eight clean sheets in 12 matches, highlights the tactical discipline underpinning their campaign. They now face Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals and will believe further progress is achievable.
With Chelsea and Arsenal set to meet in an all-English clash, the WSL is guaranteed at least one semi-finalist.
Easier Format or Genuine Progress?
Ultimately, while the new format may offer established clubs slightly more room for recovery, it has not eliminated difficulty. English teams have faced Europe’s best and navigated multiple high-pressure ties.
The presence of three WSL clubs in the quarter-finals likely reflects a combination of structural evolution and genuine improvement. Investment in the domestic league, exposure to international competition, and growing squad depth have all contributed to raising standards.
Whether the revamped structure consistently benefits larger clubs will only become evident over several seasons. For now, English teams appear to be capitalising on both opportunity and development.
And if one of them goes on to lift the trophy again, it will be difficult to argue that success was handed to them.