The Women’s Champions League league phase is set to begin with a sense of uncertainty and competition, as reigning champions Barcelona face a transformed squad after significant summer changes. The Spanish giants, who have reached six European finals in a row and won four titles in six years, have lost four key players from last season’s final-winning team. Ona Batlle, Salma Paralluelo, Alexia Putellas, and Mapi León have all moved on, with some joining rival clubs like Arsenal and OL Lyonnes. Despite these departures, Barcelona still boast a strong lineup, including Aitana Bonmatí, winner of the last three Ballons d’Or, and Ewa Pajor, last season’s top scorer. However, Bonmatí is currently injured and doubtful for their opening match against Paris FC. While Barcelona remain the team to beat, their aura of invincibility may have been slightly diminished. OL Lyonnes, who have not won the Women’s Champions League since 2022, are eager to reclaim the title. They strengthened their squad this summer, adding Paralluelo and Caroline Weir, and are led by coach Jonatan Giráldez, who previously won the competition with Barcelona. For OL Lyonnes, a European Cup victory would be a major milestone, especially for owner Michele Kang, who also owns other top clubs like Washington Spirit and London City Lionesses. Bayern Munich, along with English teams Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester City, are expected to be strong contenders. Arsenal, the only English club to have won major European silverware, added key players like Georgia Stanway and Ona Batlle this summer. Manchester City, the domestic champions, are looking to make up for previous European disappointments and will face a tough opener against Bayern. Chelsea, who reached the final once in 2021, hope to return to the top stage this season. Real Madrid also made strategic additions, signing Felicia Schröder from Sweden’s Häcken, to bolster their attack. The league phase, which starts this week, includes 18 teams, with the top four advancing directly to the quarterfinals in March. Teams ranked fifth to 12th will compete in a knockout playoff in February. The absence of familiar faces like Putellas and the departure of Wolfsburg, who had a long run of European success, adds to the intrigue. This season promises to be one of the most competitive yet in the Women’s Champions League.