Women's Champions League news

Next week, at Wembley Stadium, the two best national teams in European women's football will meet once more as England, winners of the last two European Championship titles, welcome Spain, the reigning world champions. It'll be their sixth competitive encounter in less than four years and it again brings with it huge stakes as the two bid for the one automatic qualification spot from their group for next summer's World Cup. That England could be without their captain, Leah Williamson, then, is a huge blow.

Lucy Bronze has insisted Chelsea are "not making excuses" as they look to rescue their season following a disappointing exit from the Women's Champions League. The veteran defender is now shifting her focus to a domestic trophy pursuit to ensure the Blues do not end the campaign empty-handed.

Arsenal manager Renee Slegers has confirmed she held private talks with Katie McCabe following the defender's controversial altercation with Chelsea winger Alyssa Thompson. The incident, which occurred during the Gunners' Women's Champions League quarter-final second leg on Wednesday, saw the Ireland international escape punishment from the referee and VAR.

And then there were four. One of Barcelona, Arsenal, Bayern Munich or Lyon will be crowned winners of the Women's Champions League next month, after the quartet progressed through an enthralling quarter-final stage over the past week. Bayern will take on Barca later this month while holders Arsenal will face Lyon, with the winners to meet in the final in Oslo, Norway, at the end of May.

Barcelona Femeni dismantled Real Madrid 6-0 in a historic Clasico to complete a third emphatic win against their arch rivals in just nine days, securing a place in the Champions League semi-finals in the process. Alexia Putellas was among the goals as she marked her 500th appearance for Barca in style.

Catalan dominance continues

in front of a huge crowd

Chelsea defender Lucy Bronze has claimed that the Blues were the "better team" across their Women's Champions League quarter-final tie against Arsenal despite suffering a painful aggregate defeat. The England international believes a lack of efficiency in front of goal was the only difference between the two London rivals.

Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor pulled out her mobile phone during a post-match interview to showcase video evidence of a controversial officiating decision. The Blues boss was left incensed after Arsenal defender Katie McCabe escaped punishment despite pulling Alyssa Thompson’s hair in the closing stages of their Women's Champions League quarter-final.

How to watch the Women's Champions League match between Barcelona and Real Madrid Femenino, as well as kick-off time and team news

Chelsea were knocked out of the Women’s Champions League on Wednesday after failing to overturn a 3-1 aggregate deficit to Arsenal, winning 1-0 in the second leg of their quarter-final. The Blues gave themselves too much to do after their defeat at the Emirates Stadium last week and their wastefulness in front of goal is to blame for another failed European campaign.

Arsenal's Women's Champions League title defence remains well and truly on track after the Gunners withstood Chelsea's attempts at a comeback on Wednesday, falling to a narrow and late 1-0 defeat to win 3-2 on aggregate. It felt like the Blues had to start fast and score early to stand any chance of overcoming the deficit, and so once Arsenal had prevented them from doing exactly that, progression to the semi-finals rarely looked in doubt.

Manchester United's Women's Champions League adventure came to a dramatic end on Wednesday, as Bayern Munich staged a late comeback to beat the Red Devils 2-1 on the night and 5-3 on aggregate. Marc Skinner's side started well in Germany and took a deserved early lead through Melvine Malard, but a defensive approach to the second half proved extremely costly as United succumbed to two late goals that sent the German champions through to the semi-finals, where they will likely face Barcelona.

How to watch the Women's Champions League match between Chelsea FC Women and Arsenal Women, as well as kick-off time and team news

Talk of Alessia Russo's goal-scoring has dominated conversation around the England international for most of her senior career to date. It's become especially prominent since her move from Manchester United to Arsenal three years ago, with the scrutiny increased because of the switch and also the fact she's become the Lionesses' starting centre-forward. But in this past week in particular, Russo has shown what remarkable steps she has made towards that talk becoming obsolete.

England international Lucy Bronze is determined to help Chelsea finally conquer Europe and match the historic success of the men's side. The serial winner hopes her vast experience can guide the Blues to Women's Champions League glory, though they first face a daunting task to overturn a two-goal deficit against Arsenal and keep their dreams of lifting the elusive trophy alive.

Marc Skinner has reaffirmed his belief that Manchester United can still secure a European spot this season despite suffering a bruising 3-0 defeat to rivals Manchester City. The United boss admitted the result at Old Trafford was "horrible" but remained defiant regarding his side's chances of finishing in the Champions League places.