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

As the UEFA Women’s Champions League (UWCL) group stages kick off, Group D is set to deliver a thrilling spectacle featuring some of Europe’s top clubs. From reigning champions to rising stars, Group D promises exciting football, with each team bringing a wealth of talent to the table.

FC Barcelona: The Reigning Champions and European Powerhouse

UEFA

FC Barcelona has firmly established itself as the dominant force in women’s football, both in Europe and worldwide. They are the current UWCL title holders, boasting three Champions League titles and two runner-up finishes. On the domestic front, Barcelona have swept all before them, winning the Liga F, Copa de la Reina, and the Supercopa of Spain last season. As one of the most successful and talented teams in recent history, they are favourites to retain their European crown.

Road to the Group Stages:

As the reigning UWCL and Liga F champions, Barcelona automatically qualified for the group stages and are eager to defend their title.

Players to Watch:

• Aitana Bonmati – The 2023/2024 Best Player of the UWCL, known for her creativity and scored a crucial goal in the final against Lyon.
• Alexia Putellas – Barcelona’s captain and a two-time Ballon d'Or winner, Putellas is an inspirational leader and a proven match-winner.
• Caroline Graham Hansen – Last season’s Liga F top scorer (Pichichi) and MVP, Hansen is a constant threat in attack.
• Ewa Pajor – The summer signing from Wolfsburg, Pajor was the top scorer in the Frauen Bundesliga with 18 goals last season.

Upcoming Matches:

• vs Manchester City – Wednesday 9th October
• vs Hammarby – Wednesday 16th October
• vs St. Pölten – Tuesday 12th November

Manchester City: English Giants Returning to the Big Stage

UEFA

Manchester City are back in the UEFA Women’s Champions League group stages for the first time since 2020/21, when they reached the quarter-finals. With a squad packed full of top talent and a growing reputation in Europe, City are aiming to go further this time. The club has consistently been near the top of English football, winning the Women’s Super League (WSL) in 2016 and finishing as runners-up seven times.

Road to the Group Stages:

City secured their place in the group stages by finishing as runners-up in the WSL. They advanced through Round 2 of the playoffs after defeating Paris FC with a dominant 8-0 aggregate scoreline.

Players to Watch:

• Khadija Shaw – Last season’s WSL Golden Boot winner and Best Player, Shaw is a lethal forward with a knack for scoring goals.
• Vivianne Miedema – A new signing from Arsenal, Miedema is one of the world’s top strikers and adds even more firepower to City’s attack.
• Alex Greenwood – City’s captain, Greenwood is a composed and experienced leader in defence.
• Lauren Hemp – A pacey winger, Hemp finished fifth in the 2023/24 WSL Golden Boot race, scoring 11 goals.

Upcoming Matches:

• vs FC Barcelona – Wednesday 9th October
• vs St. Pölten – Wednesday 16th October
• vs Hammarby – Thursday 21st November

St. Pölten: Austria’s Dominant Champions

UEFA

St. Pölten are the most successful women’s football club in Austria, having won the ÖFB Frauen Bundesliga a staggering 12 consecutive times. Though they have previously participated in the UWCL’s earlier rounds, they are making their third group stage appearance after debuting last season. Known for their dominance in Austria, they are looking to make their mark on the European stage.

Road to the Group Stages:

As champions of Austria, St. Pölten progressed through the qualifying rounds, defeating Neftçi and Villaznia in Round 1, followed by an 8-0 aggregate win over ZNK Mura in Round 2 to secure their place in the group stages.

Players to Watch:

• Kamila Dubcová – A key attacking threat, Dubcová scored in three of the four qualification games.
• Mateja Zver – The experienced forward bagged two goals during qualification and is crucial to St. Pölten’s success.
• Carina Schlüter – The team’s goalkeeper, Schlüter will need to be in top form to keep out the heavyweights in this group.
• Claudia Wenger – A reliable defender, Wenger will be tasked with marshalling the backline against Europe’s best.

Upcoming Matches:

• vs Hammarby – Wednesday 9th October
• vs Manchester City – Wednesday 16th October
• vs FC Barcelona – Tuesday 12th November

Hammarby: Swedish Champions Making Their UWCL Debut

UEFA

Hammarby, founded in 1970, are the current Damallsvenskan champions and are making their debut in the UEFA Women’s Champions League group stages. With a rich history and a loyal fanbase, Hammarby has made a name for themselves in Swedish football, winning the domestic double last season with the Svenska Cupen and their second Damallsvenskan title—their first since 1985. Known for setting record-breaking attendances, they are ready to bring their exciting brand of football to Europe’s top competition.

Road to the Group Stages:

After directly entering Round 2 of the playoffs, Hammarby faced Benfica in a thrilling tie. Despite losing the first leg, they came back in the second leg to secure a 3-2 aggregate victory, booking their place in the group stages for the first time in the club’s history.

Players to Watch:

• Alice Carlsson – The captain and defensive stalwart, Carlsson is the heartbeat of Hammarby’s defence.
• Cathinka Friis Tandberg – Hammarby’s top scorer with 12 goals last season, Tandberg scored in the crucial second leg against Benfica.
• Julie Blakstad – A versatile midfielder who scored in both legs of the playoff against Benfica, Blakstad is key to Hammarby’s attacking play.
• Asato Miyagawa – An important addition to the squad, Miyagawa provides creativity and energy in midfield.

Upcoming Matches:

• vs St. Pölten – Wednesday 9th October
• vs FC Barcelona – Wednesday 16th October
• vs Manchester City – Thursday 21st November

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