As one chapter of the 2025-26 UEFA Women’s Champions League draws to a close, a new one awaits. All 18 teams were in action for the final matchday of the league phase on Wednesday, with concurrent kickoffs creating a thrilling atmosphere that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle.
With the league phase behind us, the tournament now transitions into the knockout phase playoff. Eight teams will clash for a coveted spot in the quarterfinals, as 12 of the 18 teams from the league phase continue their journey. The draw on Thursday will determine which clubs will face off in February for the remaining quarterfinal spots.
Here’s what you need to know about the upcoming stages:
Matchday 6 Results
- Juventus 0, Real Madrid 1
- PSG 1, Benfica 1
- Roma 6, St. Polten 1
- Bayern 3, Valerenga 0
- FC Twente 1, Real Madrid 1
- OH Leuven 0, Arsenal 3
- Paris FC 0, Barcelona 2
- OL Lyonnes 4, Atletico Madrid 0
- Wolfsburg 1, Chelsea 2
Standings
The top four teams advance to the quarterfinals. Teams ranked 5th to 12th enter the knockout phase playoffs.
1. Barcelona, 16 points (+17 GD)
2. OL Lyonnes, 16 points (+13 GD)
3. Chelsea, 14 points (+17 GD)
4. Bayern Munich, 13 points (+1 GD)
5. Arsenal, 12 points (+5 GD)
6. Manchester United, 12 points (-2 GD)
7. Real Madrid, 11 points (+6 GD)
8. Juventus, 10 points (+5 GD)
9. Wolfsburg, 9 points (+3 GD)
10. Paris FC, 8 points (-3 GD)
11. Atletico Madrid, 7 points (+4 GD)
12. OH Leuven, 6 points (-5 GD)
13. Valerenga, 4 points (-5 GD)
14. Roma, 4 points (-10 GD)
15. Twente, 3 points (-6 GD)
16. Benfica, 2 points (-7 GD)
17. PSG, 2 points (-8 GD)
18. St. Polten, 1 point (-22 GD)
Identifying the Quarterfinalists
- FC Barcelona
- OL Lyonnes
- Chelsea
- Bayern Munich
FC Barcelona and OL Lyonnes have clearly solidified their spots for the quarterfinals, showcasing their dominance on the pitch. These Champions League giants have proven their prowess, with Wendie Renard displaying top-notch performances for Lyonnes.
The two teams were separated only by goal differential, with Barcelona leading and OL needing a significant win alongside a favorable result from Paris FC to secure the top spot. Joining these teams in the quarterfinals are Chelsea FC and Bayern Munich.
Teams Entering the Knockout Phase
- Arsenal
- Manchester United
- Juventus
- Real Madrid
- Wolfsburg
- Paris FC
- Atletico de Madrid
- OH Leuven
Those finishing 5th through 12th in the league phase will battle in the new knockout phase. The two-leg matches will be crucial in deciding who advances, especially as current champions Arsenal look to maintain their momentum following a strong 3-0 victory against OH Leuven.
Among these teams is tournament newcomer Manchester United, aided by U.S. women’s national team goalkeeper Phallon Tulis-Joyce, who led her club to a narrow 1-0 triumph over Juventus.
Teams on the Sidelines
Several teams faced elimination ahead of matchday 6, including Benfica, Roma, St. Polten, FC Twente, and the notable disappointment, Paris Saint-Germain. Also exiting were newcomers Valerenga, who fell short despite needing a win against Bayern Munich and support from OH Leuven.
Looking Ahead
The draw for the knockout phase will occur on Thursday at 7 a.m. ET on CBS Sports Golazo Network as the competition readies to finalize its year. Teams ranked 5-8 will be seeded, while those ranked 9-12 will enter unseeded.
The knockout phase will kick off for the 2025-26 season in February (11-12, 18-19), followed by the quarterfinals in March (24-25) and April (1-2). After the semifinals in late April and early May, the top two teams will vie for the championship title in Oslo, Norway, on May 23 at Ullevaal Stadion.
