UEFA Women’s Champions League Group A: Team profiles and key players to watch in the race for glory

As the UEFA Women's Champions League kicks off, the excitement is building for what promises to be a thrilling group stage. Group A is packed with some of European football's most exciting and diverse teams. Each team brings something special to the competition, from seasoned champions to ambitious newcomers.

Olympique Lyonnais: A Footballing Dynasty

When you think of women’s football, it’s impossible not to mention Olympique Lyonnais. The French giants have dominated the scene for years, racking up an astonishing eight UWCL titles and solidifying themselves as the most successful club in the competition’s history. Their last triumph came in 2022, and they show no signs of slowing down. Domestically, Lyon’s dominance is equally impressive with 17 national league titles and 10 Coupe de France trophies in their collection. This is a team that lives and breathes success.

UEFA

Road to the Group Stages:

Lyon sailed directly into the group stages after clinching another French league title, proving once again that they are the team to beat in France. Despite coming up just short in last season's UWCL, finishing as runners-up, they are back with a vengeance.

Players to Watch:

• Kadidiatou Diani – The top scorer in last season’s UWCL, Diani is a constant goal threat.
• Melchie Dumornay – Named as the best young player of the tournament last year, her potential is sky-high.
• Selma Bacha – Known for her pace and creativity, Bacha is one to keep an eye on.
• Ada Hegerberg – A legend of the game, Hegerberg is one of the most prolific forwards in the sport, the all-time highest goalscorer in the UWCL and the first-ever women's Ballon d'Or winner. 

Upcoming Matches:

• vs Galatasaray – Tuesday 8th October
• vs VfL Wolfsburg – Thursday 17th October
• vs AS Roma – Wednesday 20th November

VfL Wolfsburg: German Giants with a Point to Prove

Wolfsburg are a club with a rich history in women’s football. Having won the UWCL twice and finishing runners-up on four occasions, they’ve been at the top of the European game for years. Domestically, they’ve lifted the Frauen-Bundesliga trophy seven times, and their hunger for more silverware never seems to fade.

UEFA

Road to the Group Stages:

Wolfsburg’s road to the group stages wasn’t straightforward. After finishing as runners-up in the Bundesliga, they had to battle through the playoffs. They faced Fiorentina in a tough two-legged tie but came out on top, booking their spot in their 13th UWCL campaign.

Players to Watch:

• Alex Popp – One of Germany’s best, Popp is a natural leader and a lethal striker.
• Merle Frohms – One of the finest goalkeepers in the game, her shot-stopping ability is second to none.
• Sveindis Jonsdottir – A rising star, Jonsdottir is known for her speed and flair on the wing.
• Jule Brand – Young and talented, Brand has the potential to be a game-changer for Wolfsburg.

Upcoming Matches:

• vs AS Roma – Tuesday 8th October
• vs Olympique Lyonnais – Thursday 17th October
• vs Galatasaray – Wednesday 13th November

AS Roma: Italy’s Rising Powerhouse

UEFA

AS Roma are quickly establishing themselves as a dominant force in Italian women’s football. Founded in 2018, they’ve already won back-to-back Serie A Femminile titles and are aiming to make their mark in Europe. With two Copa Italia titles and a Supercoppa Italiana, Roma are not just looking to compete but to win.

Road to the Group Stages:

Despite winning Serie A, Roma had to fight their way through the second round of qualification to reach the UWCL group stages. A strong performance against Servette FCCF saw them win both legs and confirm their place in the competition for the third time.

Players to Watch:

• Manuela Giugliano – The heart of Roma’s midfield, Giugliano was named Serie A’s MVP last season.
• Valentina Giacinti – A prolific striker, Giacinti is the focal point of Roma’s attack.
• Giulia Dragoni – (on loan from Barcelona) An exciting young talent with bags of potential.
• Evelyne Viens – The latest addition to Roma’s forward line, adding more firepower.

Upcoming Matches:

• vs VfL Wolfsburg – Tuesday 8th October
• vs Galatasaray – Thursday 17th October
• vs Olympique Lyonnais – Wednesday 20th November

Galatasaray: Turkish Underdogs Looking to Make History

UEFA

Galatasaray may be new to women’s football, but they’ve quickly become a team to watch in Turkey. Founded just three years ago, they’ve already won the Turkish Super League and are making their debut in the UWCL. Despite being the underdogs in this group, their rapid rise in Turkish football shows they are not to be underestimated.

Road to the Group Stages:

Galatasaray’s road to the group stages was hard-earned. As Turkish champions, they had to battle through two rounds of qualification, defeating Racing Union and Slavia Praha to reach the UWCL group stages for the first time in the club’s history.

Players to Watch:

• Ebru Topçu – One of Turkey’s top talents, Topçu finished seventh in the Super League’s top scorers list last season.
• Catalina Usme – The Colombian captain and the club’s star summer signing, bringing international experience.
• Emine Ecem – Galatasaray’s first captain, a key figure in the team’s rise.

Upcoming Matches:

• vs Olympique Lyonnais – Tuesday 8th October
• vs AS Roma – Thursday 17th October
• vs VfL Wolfsburg – Wednesday 13th November

Watch every match of Group A and the UWCL, live and for free on DAZN . For more information on women's leagues from around the world on DAZN, click here .