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

The UEFA Women’s Champions League is back, and Group C promises an exciting array of talent and competitive football. This group features some of the biggest names in women’s football, with top clubs from Germany, England, Italy, and Norway battling for a spot in the knockout stages.

Bayern Munich: German Giants Ready to Dominate

UEFA

Bayern Munich have long been a dominant force in German women’s football, boasting six Frauen-Bundesliga titles and most recently winning the DFB Supercup. Despite their domestic success, Bayern have yet to break through in Europe, with their best UEFA Women’s Champions League finishes being semi-final appearances in the 2018/19 and 2020/21 seasons. After exiting in the group stage in the last season, Bayern are determined to make their mark this time around.

Road to the Group Stages:

Bayern earned direct qualification to the group stages by clinching the 2023/24 Frauen-Bundesliga title.

Players to Watch:

• Leah Schüller – A prolific forward, Schüller scored 11 goals in last season’s Frauen-Bundesliga.
• Pernille Harder – Another key goal-scorer, Harder netted nine goals last season and remains one of the most dangerous forwards in Europe.
• Georgia Stanway – A creative force in midfield, Stanway brings energy and playmaking ability to Bayern’s line-up.

Upcoming Matches:

• vs Arsenal – Wednesday 9th October
• vs Juventus – Wednesday 16th October
• vs Vålerenga – Tuesday 12th November

Arsenal: The Gunners Return to Europe

UEFA

Arsenal are back in the UEFA Women’s Champions League after missing out in recent years. Their last appearance in the group stages was during the 2021/22 season, and while they fell short then, Arsenal are determined to re-establish themselves as one of Europe’s elite clubs. The London club has a proud history, including a UWCL title in 2006/07, but they are hungry for more success on the biggest stage.

Road to the Group Stages:

After finishing third in the Women’s Super League, Arsenal had to navigate the playoffs. They cruised past Rangers and Rosenborg before a dramatic comeback against Häcken in Round 2, overturning a 1-0 first-leg deficit with a 4-0 victory in the second leg to secure their place in the group stages.

Players to Watch:

• Kim Little – The experienced captain is a key figure in Arsenal’s midfield.
• Leah Williamson – The 2nd captain, Williamson is back after recovering from an ACL injury and is ready to lead the defence.
• Mariona Caldentey – A high-profile signing from Barcelona, Caldentey brings flair and creativity to the Gunners’ attack.
• Emily Fox – Fresh from winning Olympic gold with the USWNT, Fox adds strength to Arsenal’s defence.

Upcoming Matches:

• vs Bayern Munich – Wednesday 9th October
• vs Vålerenga – Wednesday 16th October
• vs Juventus – Tuesday 12th November

Juventus: Italy’s Dominant Force

UEFA

Juventus have been the dominant force in Italian women’s football since their formation in 2017, winning five consecutive Serie A Femminile titles between 2017 and 2022. While their domestic success is unquestioned, they have struggled to make a deep impact in the UWCL, with their best performance being a quarter-final appearance in 2021/22. They are eager to improve on last season’s group-stage exit.

Road to the Group Stages:

As runners-up in Serie A Femminile, Juventus secured their place in the UWCL group stages by defeating Paris Saint-Germain in the playoffs, winning both legs in a dramatic fashion.

Players to Watch:

• Sara Gama – The experienced captain is the leader of Juventus’ defense.
• Cristiana Girelli – A proven goal-scorer, Girelli remains a key part of Juventus’ attack.
• Sofia Cantore – The forward made headlines by scoring in the first leg against PSG.
• Barbara Bonansea – Another dangerous attacker, Bonansea scored in the second leg against PSG to secure Juventus’ place in the group stages.

Upcoming Matches:

• vs Vålerenga – Wednesday 9th October
• vs Bayern Munich – Wednesday 16th October
• vs Arsenal – Tuesday 12th November

Vålerenga: Norway’s Champions Looking to Make a Splash

UEFA

Vålerenga have been making waves in Norwegian women’s football, winning their first Toppserien title in 2020 and reclaiming the crown in 2023 after a brief absence from the top. As Norway’s representatives in the UWCL, they will be eager to show their quality on the European stage and prove they can compete with the continent’s best.

Road to the Group Stages:

Vålerenga began their UWCL journey in Group 11 of Round 1, defeating Farul Constanta in the semi-finals and Anderlecht in the final. They then met Anderlecht again in Round 2, winning both legs to seal their place in the group stages.

Players to Watch:

• Janni Thomsen – The team’s captain and a leader on the pitch, Thomsen scored in the first round against Farul Constanta.
• Olaug Tvedten – Runner-up for the Toppserien Golden Boot in 2023, Tvedten is one of Vålerenga’s most dangerous attackers.
• Elise Thorsnes – The experienced forward, wearing number 9, scored in the first round and will be key to Vålerenga’s attacking threat.
• Karina Sævik – A prolific scorer, Sævik netted three goals in the playoffs and will be one to watch in the group stages.

Upcoming Matches:

• vs Juventus – Wednesday 9th October
• vs Arsenal – Wednesday 16th October
• vs Bayern Munich – Tuesday 12th November

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