The Champions League final is set, after Barcelona and OL Lyonnes claimed dominant semifinal victories over the weekend — booking tickets to the May 23rd showdown.

Eight-time champion Lyonnes overturned a 2-1 deficit against defending champion Arsenal with Saturday's 3-1 win to advance 4-3 on aggregate. Highlights include Wendie Renard converting a retaken penalty and Kadidiatou Diani giving Lyon the lead, with Renard becoming the oldest player to score in a Champions League semifinal at 35 years and 286 days.

Arsenal's Alessia Russo equalized the tie in the 76th minute. However, Brand's clinical 86th-minute finish sent Lyon to its 12th UWCL final.

The semifinal marked Lyon's 15th UWCL semifinal appearance.

On Sunday, Barcelona crushed Bayern Munich 4-2 after a 1-1 first-leg draw. The Spanish champion subsequently advanced 5-3 on aggregate, reaching an unprecedented sixth consecutive Champions League final. Veteran midfielder Alexia Putellas scored twice while Salma Paralluelo and Ewa Pajor added goals in front of 60,021 fans at Camp Nou.

Reigning Ballon d'Or winner Aitana Bonmatí returned from a broken leg sustained in November, entering as a second-half substitute.

"It's hard to explain the feeling I have today," Bonmatí said postgame. "There couldn't have been a better day to come back. It's been a very tough but rewarding five months. It's been a different challenge in my career, which I think has helped me both as a footballer and professionally."

The UWCL final marks the fourth meeting between Barcelona and Lyon in a Champions League final. Lyon holds a 2-1 head-to-head edge, winning in 2019 (4-1) and 2022 (3-1) before Barcelona gained revenge with 2024's 2-0 victory.

Arsenal is honing in on another UWCL final, as the reigning European champion visits OL Lyonnes for Saturday’s semifinal decider on a 2-1 aggregate lead.

The Gunners enter the match with momentum, after dismantling Leicester City 7-0 in WSL play. Arsenal will also look for a locker room boost, as the team announced vice captain Leah Williamson signed a new two-year contract with the club.

“I don't feel like I’m done,” Williamson said after 12 years at Arsenal. “It’s really special to be somewhere where you care so much about the people, the project, the place. I don't think it's something to take for granted.”

Three-time UWCL winner Barcelona is also eyeing a final return, taking on German champion Bayern Munich after the pair’s first leg ended in a 1-1 draw.

"We had a tough time in the final stretch, and yet we didn't concede," said Barcelona head coach Pere Romeu postgame. "And, on the contrary, in the second half the opposite happened: When we were playing our best, they equalized."

"The first half was different from the second half," echoed midfielder Alexia Putellas. "We have to adapt our game. We should've scored one more goal in the second half. Now let's go to the Camp Nou."

Where to Watch the UWCL Champions League Semifinals

Arsenal kicks off against Lyonnes on Saturday at 9 AM ET before Barcelona hosts Bayern on Sunday at 10:30 AM ET. All Champions League semifinal matches air live on Paramount+.

The reigning UWCL winner couldn’t be silenced on Sunday, as Arsenal topped OL Lyonnes 2-1 to take the lead in the two-leg Champions League semifinals.

Forward Jule Brand opened the scoring for the French champions. Later, a clumsy defensive breakdown gifted the Gunners an own goal, before forward Olivia Smith scored the second-half game-winner at the Emirates.

“The first half was quite even. We gave away a cheap goal,” captain Leah Williamson said. “But what you saw second-half was a team on a mission, fueled by the crowd.”

Lyon isn’t the only side hunting a second-leg spark, as three-time UWCL winner Barcelona settled for Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Bayern Munich.

The German champions battled for a result after goal-scorer Franziska Kett was dealt a red card in the 79th minute. However, the Spanish side ultimately could not capitalize on Bayern’s loss.

“I think in general we defended our goal pretty well,” Bayern captain Glódís Viggósdóttir told UEFA.

“We followed the game plan, we closed the spaces that we wanted to close and then we wanted to get them on the counter, and obviously it’s a fantastic goal from start to finish. I’m just incredibly proud of how we handled every single situation today.”

“We’re heading back to Barcelona with a draw that feels like too little, given the chances we had,” said Barcelona manager Pere Romeu.

How to Watch Arsenal in the UWCL Champions League Semifinals

The UWCL semifinals finish up this weekend, as Arsenal visits OL Lyonnes on Saturday at 9 AM ET. Afterwards, Barcelona hosts Bayern on Sunday at 10:30 AM ET. Both matches air live on Paramount+.

The Champions League final kicks off on May 23rd in Oslo, Norway.

Wrexham made club history last week, punching its first-ever ticket to next year's Champions League qualifiers after winning the top-flight Welsh league's Adran Premier title.

The March 29th 4-1 win over Cardiff clinched Wrexham's first league title — as well as its 2026/27 European debut. However, the moment was quickly overshadowed by sexist comments directed at the team.

The club quickly addressed online comments following the triumph.

"We are aware of sexist and misogynistic comments shared online following the match," Wrexham said in a statement. "Let us be clear: Such views have no place in football, in our club, or in society."

The team subsequently emphasized the significance of its achievement, making clear the spotlight should remain on the players and their success.

"We will not allow this behaviour to overshadow a great moment for women's football in Wales. Our focus remains firmly on celebrating our players and continuing to grow the game."

The statement also outlined consequences for the commenters' behavior. Wrexham said it will ban any supporters it identifies as responsible from all club outlets.

The Genero Adran Leagues later addressed the “sexist and misogynistic” remarks, pointing back to the match itself.

"Sunday's game at the Cae Ras was a magnificent and inspiring occasion for women’s football in Wales," the league said.

"This year's two best teams competing in an exciting contest, in front of the season's highest attendance. That should be the leading headline."

Now, the focus shifts back to the pitch. Wrexham will make its Champions League debut later this year, marking the title-winning club's next big step.

Barcelona advanced to the Champions League semifinals with a 6-0 win over Real Madrid on Thursday, completing a 12-2 aggregate rout in their quarterfinal matchup.

Entering the UWCL quarterfinal's second leg with a 6-2 lead, Barcelona took control early and never let Real Madrid back into the tie. The hosts built a 4-0 halftime lead, before adding two more after the break to put a stamp on the rare Champions League El Clásico.

Caroline Graham Hansen led Barca's attack with two goals while Alexia Putellas, Irene Paredes, Ewa Pajor, and Esmee Brugts each added a tally. The result marked Barcelona's eighth straight Champions League semifinal appearance.

Putellas reached multiple milestones in the win. She scored her 30th Champions League goal in her 500th appearance for Spanish powerhouse. She additionally become the first player to score for Barcelona at Camp Nou in both the 2020/21 and 2025/26 UWCL competitions.

Real Madrid entered the match hunting comeback after last week's 6-2 loss. But Barcelona limited chances and dictated possession from the start, controlling both ends of the pitch.

"Barcelona just ran over the top of us," Madrid coach Pau Quesada told reporters. "I think they were very superior to us in all areas. We knew that this was a team which, when they have their night, there's little you can do."

The win continues Barcelona's dominant 2025/26 run, racking up six wins against its Liga F rival this season across all competitions. It also keeps the club on track to capture another European title, after ceding last year's UWCL championship to WSL side Arsenal.

Champions League Semis Pit Barcelona Against Bayern Munich

Barcelona will next face Bayern Munich in the UWCL semifinals, with the first leg set to kick off on April 24th, live on Paramount+.

The winners will advance to the May 23rd Champions League final in Oslo, Norway.

Arsenal sent Chelsea packing on Wednesday, withstanding a stoppage-time goal to knock its London rival out of the Champions League by a 3-2 aggregate score.

The defending champions now advance to the semifinals, despite losing 1-0 on the night at Stamford Bridge.

The Gunners entered the match with a commanding 3-1 lead from the first leg. They produced a mature defensive display to stifle Chelsea's comeback attempts throughout the match. Arsenal goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar made several crucial saves late in the game to preserve the advantage.

Chelsea midfielder Sjoeke Nüsken finally broke through in the fourth minute of stoppage time. However, the Blues needed two goals to level the tie and could not find a second before the final whistle.

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McCabe Hair-Pull Sets Off Chelsea Leadership

However, tempers flared in the closing moments after Arsenal's Katie McCabe pulled Chelsea forward Alyssa Thompson's hair with no foul called.

"For me it is clearly a red card for the Arsenal player — she's pulling Alyssa's hair," Chelsea coach Sonia Bompastor said after the match. "If the VAR again is not able to check that situation, I don't know why we have the VAR."

Bompastor received an accumulated red card herself for her protests. She stormed down the tunnel before the final whistle.

"Everyone needs to understand, that's the difference between being qualified and not being qualified," she added. "It has a big impact on players."

McCabe, for her part, addressed the incident on her Instagram. "I just want to clarify that I was genuinely reaching for the shirt," she posted to her Stories. "I wouldn't ever want to pull someone's hair. Full respect to Thompson."

The victory caps a brilliant stretch for Arsenal. The Gunners have won 10 of their past 11 matches and remain unbeaten since January.

Champions League Closes Out 2025/26 Quarterfinals

Chelsea wasn't the only WSL team exiting the Champions League this week, as Bayern Munich ended Manchester United's debut run by a 5-3 aggregate score.

"Even as a club, we're still learning," said United manager Marc Skinner. "It takes, sometimes, a punch in the face to wake up."

Arsenal will next face the winner of this afternoon's OL Lyonnes vs. Wolfsburg tie, with the German side holding a 1-0 advantage heading into Thursday's second leg.

Champions League action returns Wednesday, as clubs scramble for quarterfinal survival with this week’s second-leg results determining the 2025/26 UWCL semifinalists.

Chelsea finds itself in a tight spot entering the London derby at Stamford Bridge. The Blues face a 3-1 aggregate deficit after falling to defending champion Arsenal 3-1 in last week's first leg.

"There was a conversation after the game against Arsenal and also after Sunday's [WSL] game that we have the belief that we can do it," said Blues midfielder Erin Cuthbert. "We've done it before, but we're under no illusions it's a tough one."

Chelsea is coming off last weekend's 4-3 victory over Aston Villa, with the first six goals coming in the opening half. In that WSL match, Sjoeke Nüsken scored the game-winner for the Blues.

"We know it will be a challenge and a battle," echoed manager Sonia Bompastor. "But if you analyze the performance we put in the first leg, I think there are a lot of belief we can really play a good game tomorrow."

For Wednesday's Champions League clash, Chelsea welcomes back attacker Johanna Rytting Kaneryd. However, defender Millie Bright and forward Aggie Beever-Jones remain unavailable due to injuriy.

Arsenal enters the match riding a six-game winning streak in the Women's Super League, after the Gunners demolished Tottenham 5-2 at the Emirates last weekend behind an Alessia Russo hat-trick.

Arsenal manager Renée Slegers voiced few concerns ahead of the UWCL quarterfinal, despite star defender Leah Williamson remaining sidelined with injury.

"There's a lot of work still to do for us, and that's how we’re going to approach the game," said the second-year coach. "We have a lot of experience in the group as players, as staff as well, how to manage different moments, and that's what we definitely want to bring."

How to Watch Arsenal vs. Chelsea in the Champions League Quarterfinals

Chelsea kicks off the UWCL quarterfinal's second leg against Arsenal today at 3 PM ET, live on Paramount+.

Arsenal strengthened its position in the Champions League qualification race with a 2-0 victory over London City Lionesses on March 16th.

The Gunners moved within striking distance of the WSL's top three allotted spots as Manchester City drew with Aston Villa while Chelsea and Manchester United competed in the Subway Cup final. The result leaves Arsenal fourth in the WSL standings with crucial games in hand.

City holds an 11-point advantage over Arsenal, while Manchester United sits two points ahead and Chelsea leads by a single point. Arsenal has one game in hand over Chelsea and United, plus two over City.

On Sunday, Arsenal manager Renee Slegers selected Anneke Borbe in goal ahead of Daphne van Domselaar despite the Dutch keeper not playing for the Netherlands during the international break.

"Anneke's been doing really well and it was about readiness, who was most ready to perform," Slegers told reporters.

Olivia Smith opened scoring for the Gunners in the 15th minute. 2024/25 Champions League hero Stina Blackstenius subsequently sealed the deal with a second-half strike.

Arsenal avoided injuries during the international window, despite dealing with long-term absences and three Australian players competing at the Asian Cup.

Slegers went on to acknowledge defensive concerns, after London City created dangerous three-on-three and four-on-four situations on the pitch.

"We want to have a look at to defend those moments better when teams go vertical against us," she said.

What's Next for 2024/25 Champions League Winner Arsenal

Arsenal now faces four straight London derbies, with West Ham visiting in league play before twin Champions League quarterfinals against Chelsea and a North London Derby against Tottenham at Emirates Stadium.

The 2024/25 UEFA Champions League final kicks off on Saturday, as underdogs Arsenal and defending champs Barcelona each chase history in a head-to-head clash at Estádio José Alvalade in Lisbon, Portugal.

The Spanish titans aren't just hunting their third European championship in a row — a victory keeps Barcelona's hopes of completing a second straight quadruple alive with their Copa de la Reina finale looming next month.

To do so, however, they'll have to outlast the only English team to ever lift the European trophy, a feat Arsenal accomplished back in 2007.

Making their first Champions League final in 18 years, this season's Gunners are scrappy, boasting an explosive offense that led the league in scoring behind joint-WSL Golden Boot winner Alessia Russo.

The WSL runners-up bounced back from three first-leg deficits against Häcken FC, Real Madrid, and OL Lyonnes en route to the championship match — leading Barcelona star midfielder Aitana Bonmatí to call their appearance "a surprise."

"They absolutely deserve it, because scoring four goals against [eight-time Champions League winners] Lyon in the second leg is not easy at all," the back-to-back Ballon d'Or winner told ESPN. "I congratulate them for that because I think it was a big surprise, but a well-deserved one."

On Saturday, the pair will square off for the first time since 2021, when Barcelona defeated Arsenal twice in Champions League group-stage play.

"It's going to be a tough game — it's a final," said Barcelona defender Caroline Graham Hansen. "You just have to be prepared to leave your heart and soul out there and see who the better team on the day will be."

How to watch the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League final

Arsenal and Barcelona will battle for European glory at 12 PM ET on Saturday, with the Champions League grand finale streaming live on DAZN.

The 2024/25 UEFA Women’s Champions League semifinals will be decided over the next two days, as the second leg of the home-and-away quarterfinals cuts Europe’s surviving eight teams down to four.

Each of the first-leg victors boasts a multi-goal advantage over their opponents, with three-time UWCL winners — and defending champs — Barcelona leading the way after taking a 4-1 victory from German side Wolfsburg.

Eight-time champions Lyon also have a Bundesliga club on the ropes thanks to a 2-0 first-leg win over Bayern Munich.

Perennial winners aside, the knockout round’s most anticipated storylines belong to the three remaining English clubs: Arsenal, Manchester City, and Chelsea.

While Chelsea FC is enjoying an eight-point lead on the WSL table, they're position in UWCL play is far more perilous. Earlier this month, former former Arsenal striker Vivianne Miedema boosted City over the Blues with a brace in the pair's first quarterfinal meeting.

Thursday will see the second all-WSL clash of the Champions League quarters, as the match also marks an unusual fourth consecutive meeting between the two teams, with Chelsea winning the League Cup final earlier this month as well as the pair's Sunday WSL meeting — both by 2-1 scorelines.

Like the Blues, Arsenal’s Champions League campaign is similarly down to the wire, as the Gunners attempt to climb out of a 2-0 hole against Real Madrid on Wednesday. This time, however, Arsenal will hold a home-pitch advantage, hosting Las Blancas at the iconic Emirates Stadium — a significant boost after a first-leg match marred by particularly slippery playing conditions.

How to watch the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League quarterfinals

The second and final leg of the UWCL quarterfinals kicks off on Wednesday, with Lyon hosting Bayern Munich at 1:45 PM ET before Real Madrid visits Arsenal at 4 PM ET.

Thursday will determine the last two semifinalists, as Barcelona takes on Wolfsburg at 1:45 PM ET before the all-WSL face-off between Chelsea and Manchester City begins at 4 PM ET.

All Champions League matches will stream live on DAZN.