This competition is wide open. “But, wait, you say that every year!” No, honestly, this time it is wide open. The league phase of a new Women’s Champions League campaign begins on Tuesday with genuine elements of unpredictability, intrigue and a competitive feel after Barcelona, the holders, and winners of four titles in six years, underwent significant changes this summer.
The Spanish champions, who have reached six European finals in a row, have had four players who started the victory in the final last season leave the club. Ona Batlle joined Arsenal, Salma Paralluelo signed for OL Lyonnes – against whom she scored twice in that 4-0 victory to clinch the title in May – and Alexia Putellas and Mapi León moved to London City Lionesses. They have a very different look and feel to the formidable aura they demonstrated in Oslo.
