Champions League: Dates, times, which teams are playing & how to watch

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By Georgia Goulding

Published Oct 5, 2021

Everything you need to know ahead of the group stage of the European tournament

The UEFA Women's Champions League action will resume this evening as the first round of group stage fixtures get underway.

There was a shock result last time out as Manchester City were eliminated by Real Madrid 2-1 on aggregate.

Already, it seems anything could happen in Europe this season – here's everything you need to know ahead of the midweek fixtures.

New Women's Champions League format

UEFA have introduced a new format to the Champions League, aimed to reflect the men's competition more accurately.

An extra qualifying spot was added to each league, meaning the top six associations were eligible to enter three teams into the European draw.

The top six associations are Division 1 Féminine (FRA), Frauen Bundesliga (GER), Primera Iberdrola, (ESP), Women's Super League (ENG), Damallsvenskan (SWE), and the Czech First Division (CZE).

Association rankings are based on club performances in the Champions League from 2015/16 until last season's tournament.

Who is playing in the Women's Champions League?

Following the opening rounds, the group stage pots were drawn and the first fixtures will get underway this evening.

Group A

Chelsea (ENG)

Wolfsburg (GER)

Juventus (ITA)

Servette FCCF (SUI)

Group B

Paris Saint-Germain (FRA)

Breidablik (ISL)

Real Madrid (ESP)

Kharkiv (UKR)

ENTER GIVEAWAY

Group C

Barcelona (ESP)

Arsenal (ENG)

Hoffenheim (GER)

HB Køge (DEN)

Group D

Bayern Munich (GER)

Lyon (FRA)

BK Häcken (SWE)

Benfica (POR)

What has happened so far?

Man City's exit from the tournament is perhaps the most surprising result so far. The WSL runners up were eliminated by Real Madrid, who have been on a huge upwards trajectory since merging with the Madrid brand in 2019.

Seven-time winners Lyon were put to the test by Levante, but ultimately progressed to the group stage after winning 4-2 on aggregate.

Wolfsburg squeezed through via a nervy penalty shootout after an aggregate score of 5-5 against Bordeaux looked to have caused serious trouble for the two-time European champions.

WSL heavyweights Arsenal sailed comfortably through the next round with a 7-0 win over Slavia Praha across two legs.

Benfica also enjoyed a confident win – casting aside Dutch outfit Twente in a 5-1 aggregate victory.

What time is kick off?

The opening group stage matches will see Hoffenheim take on HB Køge, and Häcken vs Lyon at 17.15 BST.

Two more fixtures are scheduled for Tuesday evening – Barcelona vs Arsenal, and Benfica vs Bayern Munich at 20.00 BST.

On Wednesday, the kick off times will remain the same. Servette FCCF vs Juventus, and Kharkiv vs Real Madrid take the 17.45 slots while the 20.00 games will see Chelsea vs Wolfsburg, and Breidablik vs PSG get underway.