Previews
MIÉ 04.10.2017
One of the most eagerly awaited dates in the female football calendar is upon us, as the Women's Champions League knockout phase today gets underway. Amongst the continent's big hitters set to do battle for the European crown are Spanish representatives FC Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, both of whom kick off their campaigns tonight at the round-of-32 stage.
First up, at 18:00 CET, Barcelona will make their bow as Fran Sanchez's ladies travel to Norwegian outfit Avaldsnes Idrettslag. Las Cules will be looking to enjoy another successful European campaign after etching their names into the history books last time out, when they became the first-ever Spanish side to reach the semi-finals. Barça's summer recruitment has served to add considerable experience to their ranks, with international stars like Lieke Martens, Toni Duggan and Elise Bussaglia all boasting impressive European pedigree. Las Blaugranas head to Norway aiming to carry their imperious Liga Iberdola form, where they have recorded a clean slate of victories and are yet to have conceded a single goal, onto the European stage.
Happy Champions League day.... We ready!! #ForçaBarça pic.twitter.com/DeUvatP7EG
— Toni Duggan (@toniduggan) October 4, 2017
An hour and a half later, at 19:30, the focus switches to Atletico, who play host to a formidable VfL Wolfsburg side that feature amongst the contenders to lift this year's trophy. Angel Villacampa's charges boast rather limited Champions League experience and after having tasted glory in the Copa de la Reina and the Liga Iberdrola in recent times, they'll be looking to establish themselves at Europe's top table this season. Whilst they'll have their work cut out to progress from this tie, Las Colchoneras are undoubtedly one of the most competitive sides in Spanish football and the hosts will be giving every last ounce to record a positive result ahead of next week's return leg.
¡Llegó el día!
— At. Madrid Femenino (@AtletiFemenino) October 4, 2017
¡La @UWCL ya está aquí! #AúpaAtleti #AtletiWolfsburgo #UWCL pic.twitter.com/q132BUg5pN
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