Barcelona go welcome Arsenal to Nou Camp on Thursday for one big Women’s Champions League league-phase clash, and although the side don change plenty players, dem still look like the team to beat. Kickoff na 17:45 GMT.
Barcelona na reigning champions and dem don win all three league-phase matches, scoring 19 goals. Dem don win four of the past six Women’s Champions League titles, so Arsenal know say na serious test.
Arsenal come into the game after mixed form. Dem dey sixth for Women’s Super League following disappointing results and five-game winless run wey end in October. But for the European campaign, Arsenal don start well: dem get seven points from first three matches and sit fifth for table.
Two seasons ago, Arsenal stunned Barcelona for Women’s Champions League final, less than five months after Renee Slegers become permanent manager. That win start new era for Arsenal under Renee Slegers, but this season never follow plan for domestic league.
Barcelona summer changes no be small. Three-time Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas leave to join London City Lionesses, Mapi Leon also leave, Ona Batlle join Arsenal, and Salma Paralluelo move to Lyon. All four play big part as Barcelona win historic quadruple, including fourth Women’s Champions League last season. But Barcelona still get strong identity and academy talent.
Barcelona player Esmee Brugts tell BBC Sport say every season different. ‘There are always changes but we know that’s football,’ she talk. ‘There’s an opportunity to make a new story and that’s up to us. So far, I’ve been quite happy with how it’s going.’
Barcelona success centre on playing identity wey footballers learn from young age. Stars like three-time Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmati develop for club famous La Masia youth academy, next to Estadi Johan Cruyff, named after one of Barcelona greatest footballers. The academy dey produce talent wey dem train to play same way.
For Arsenal team news, Renee Slegers make one change from the 2-1 win away to Liverpool for Women’s Super League. Frida Maanum come in, Olivia Smith make way. Alessia Russo expected to start up top with Lisa Baum and Caitlin Foord on wings. Georgia Stanway and Kim Little keep midfield places, and defence remain with Misa Rodriguez behind Emily Fox, Leah Williamson, Steph Catley and Taylor Hinds. Ona Batlle return from injury and dey bench.
