Chelsea were semi-finalists in last season’s Champions League, losing to eventual winners Barcelona; fellow semi-finalists Arsenal and debutants Manchester United failed to make it through qualifying; the group stage begins on November 14–15.
Chelsea Group in UWCL
Chelsea, BK Hacken, and Paris FC have been drawn to play alongside Real Madrid in Group D of the Women’s Champions League.
The Blues have been drawn to play Real Madrid in the group stage for the second year running. Emma Hayes’ team finished last season with a 2-0 home victory and a 1-1 away tie in Spain.
“We know Real Madrid is a top team. Hacken are a top team performing really well, and Paris FC deservedly progressed into the group stage. “Chelsea have enough experience in the Champions League to know that it’s a really difficult tournament, for which we must prepare extensively.”
Previous Season
Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain advanced through the group stages, but Real Madrid were eliminated. Last season, the Blues advanced to the semifinals before losing to Barcelona, the ultimate winners.
BK Hacken has made it to this stage once, whereas Paris FC has made it there for the first time in its present configuration.
The French squad advanced through two qualifying rounds, eliminating Arsenal, the runners-up from the previous season, in the first round, and then routing Wolfsburg, the opposing team of the Gunners, in that final-four match last week. Its not going to be easy for Chelsea.
In the second qualifying round, Paris Saint-Germain also defeated Manchester United, a fellow WSL team making their Champions League debut.
The Champions League holders Barcelona drew Group A, along with Rosengard, Benfica, and Eintracht Frankfurt. The German side features in its first Champions League group stage.
