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Monday, October 13, 2025

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Mixed fortunes for WSL teams

It was a mixed start for the English clubs on the opening week of the UEFA Women’s Champions League with a win, a draw and
a defeat for the WSL sides.

Manchester United’s first ever appearance in the competition resulted in a 1-0 win but Chelsea will be disappointed with their draw and Arsenal’s defence of the trophy commenced with a home defeat.

Manchester United marked their maiden voyage in the UEFA Women's Champions League with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Norwegian side Vålerenga at Leigh Sports Village. Maya Le Tissier's first half penalty proved the difference in a match where United dominated possession but struggled to break down a resolute Vålerenga defence.

Facing a challenging group of fixtures that includes Atletico Madrid, Juventus, Wolfsburg, Paris St-Germain, and Lyon, Marc Skinner's side knew a win was crucial to bolster their chances of securing a top 12 spot and a play-off berth for the quarter finals. Le Tissier delivered, calmly converting from the spot after Arna Eiriksdottir was penalised for a controversial handball, sending goalkeeper Tove Enblom the wrong way.

Despite chances for Melvine Malard and Elisabeth Terland, United couldn't extend their lead. Vålerenga grew into the game late on, with substitute Elise Thorsnes nearly equalising, only to drag her shot wide. United held firm to claim three vital points.

Chelsea avoided an upset in their Champions League opener, battling back to secure a 1-1 draw against Dutch champions FC Twente at De Grolsch Veste. Sandy Baltimore's penalty spared the Blues' blushes after trailing to Danique van Ginkel's superb 63rd minute strike.

Despite dominating with 68% possession, Sonia Bompastor's side, featuring seven changes from their recent 1-1 draw with Manchester United, struggled to convert their control into clear chances. Twente nearly took the lead early when Leonie Vliek opted to pass instead of shoot, squandering a golden opportunity.

Van Ginkel's curling effort from the edge of the box stunned Chelsea, but their lead lasted just eight minutes. Lynn Groenewegen's foul on Guro Reiten handed Chelsea a penalty, which Baltimore confidently dispatched to ensure a share of the points.

Holders Arsenal suffered a 2-1 defeat to Olympique Lyonnais at Meadow Park, with Melchie Dumornay capitalising on defensive mistakes to score twice in five minutes. The Gunners, who defeated Lyon 5-3 on aggregate in last season’s semi finals, started brightly, with Alessia Russo slotting home after Beth Mead’s clever play in the seventh minute.

However, Arsenal’s lead unravelled as Dumornay pounced on sloppy passing. A scuffed clearance from goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar gifted the Haiti international a chance, and after her initial shot was saved, she tucked in the rebound. Moments later, Dumornay struck again, firing a powerful left-footed shot into the top corner after another Arsenal error.

Despite pushing for an equaliser, Arsenal couldn’t find a way through Lyon’s defence, extending their winless run to four matches.