As the inaugural league phase of the revamped 2025/26 UEFA Women’s Champions League comes to a close, anticipation across the women’s game is building fast.
The new format, 18 teams in a single league table, each playing six matches, has delivered exactly what it promised: goals, surprises, and standout individual performances. With the knockout draw confirmed today in Nyon, attention now turns to the decisive phase of the competition and the route to the UWCL Finals 2026 in Oslo this May.
Before the focus shifts fully to the fixtures ahead, it’s worth highlighting the players who defined the league phase,e the scorers and creators whose contributions carried their teams into contention.
Only the top 12 progressed. Barcelona, Lyonnes, Chelsea, and Bayern Munich secured automatic quarterfinal places, while teams finishing fifth to 12th now face two-legged playoff ties for the remaining spots. Others fell short. AS Roma, despite a spirited campaign, finished 14th and exited the competition, taking one of the joint top scorers with them.
For those still standing, the real test begins now. View full UWCL standings at our Match Center.
The Goal Machines: Who’s Delivering towards the UWCL Finals 2026?
With Barcelona and Chelsea both scoring 20 goals during the league phase, the race for the Golden Boot has been fiercely competitive.
Pernille Harder (Bayern Munich) — 5 goals
Pernille Harder sits joint-top with five goals, scored in just five starts across six appearances. In 453 minutes, the Bayern Munich forward has been ruthless.
All five goals came from open play, despite an expected goals (xG) total of just 2,.0 clear evidence of elite finishing. Averaging 1.19 goal contributions per 90 minutes, Harder has combined scoring with creativity. With Bayern already through to the quarterfinals, she is well placed to extend her tally.
Evelyne Viens (AS Roma) — 5 goals
Evelyne Viens matched Harder’s total in fewer minutes, scoring five goals in just 323 minutes (3.6 90s). Her 1.39 goals per 90 underline her efficiency, finishing chances almost exactly in line with her xG of 3.6.
Roma’s defensive struggles, 19 goals conceded, ultimately cost them progression. Viens’ tournament ends here, but her league-phase impact was undeniable.
Close Behind: Four Goals Each
Just behind the leaders are four elite performers:
- Alexia Putellas (Barcelona)
- Alessia Russo (Arsenal)
- Melchie Dumornay (OL Lyonnes)
- Lineth Beerensteyn (Wolfsburg)
Putellas has been Barcelona’s controlling force from midfield, scoring four goals in six starts. While two came from penalties, her overall influence is reflected in her strong xG and xAG numbers and her 1.04 goal contributions per 90.
Russo has led Arsenal’s attack with authority, scoring four non-penalty goals in six starts. Arsenal now face OH Leuven in the playoffs, a tie where her physical presence could be decisive.
Dumornay has quietly delivered one of the most complete performances of the league phase. Her four non-penalty goals, combined with outstanding progressive carrying and passing numbers, underline her value to Lyon, who are already through to the quarterfinals.
Beerensteyn has provided consistent output for Wolfsburg. Her pace and directness will be vital as they face Juventus in a demanding playoff tie.
With Viens eliminated, the Golden Boot race is wide open heading into the knockouts.
The Assist Leaders: Unlocking Defences
Goals may grab headlines, but creativity often decides knockout ties.
Klara Bühl (Bayern Munich) — 8 assists
Klara Bühl has been the standout creator of the league phase, registering six assists in six starts. Averaging 1.00 assist per 90, her numbers are backed up by an excellent expected assists (xAG) total of 4.2.
Operating from wide areas, Bühl’s progressive carries and off-ball movement have made her central to Bayern’s attacking structure. With Bayern rested and waiting in the quarterfinals, her partnership with Harder could prove decisive.
Three Assists Each
- Fiamma (Atlético Madrid)
- Alexia Putellas (Barcelona)
- Linda Caicedo (Real Madrid)
- Johanna Rytting Kaneryd (Chelsea)
Fiamma has been Atlético Madrid’s creative hub, contributing goals, assists, and dangerous set-piece delivery. Her vision will be tested against Manchester United’s organised defence.
Caicedo has added flair and unpredictability to Real Madrid’s attack. Her dribbling and ball progression could be the difference against Paris FC.
Putellas and Rytting Kaneryd add star quality to the three-assist group, with Putellas’ passing range and Rytting Kaneryd’s pace giving their teams extra attacking dimensions. They are not just providers in tight knockout matches; one decisive pass from either could change the course of a tie.
In knockout football, one decisive pass can change everything, and these players have repeatedly shown they can deliver.
The Knockout Stage Picture of the 2026 UWCL Finals
The playoffs begin in February, with first legs on 11/12 and return legs on 18/19:
- Atlético Madrid vs Manchester United
- Paris FC vs Real Madrid
- OH Leuven vs Arsenal
- Wolfsburg vs Juventus
The winners advance to the quarterfinals, where the top four await:
- Bayern Munich vs Atlético/Manchester United
- Barcelona vs Paris FC/Real Madrid
- Chelsea vs OH Leuven/Arsenal
- Lyonnes vs Wolfsburg/Juventus
From there, the competition moves through the semifinals in late April and early May, before the final on 23 May at Ullevaal Stadion in Oslo.
Who Goes All the Way to the UWCL Finals 2026?
Bayern Munich’s balance of efficiency and creativity makes them serious contenders. Barcelona’s control and experience remain formidable. OL Lyonnes look well suited to knockout football, while Chelsea continues to progress with quiet authority.
Yet danger lurks everywhere. Arsenal, Wolfsburg, Real Madrid, and Atlético all possess players capable of swinging a tie on their own.
The league phase set the stage. Now the margins shrink, the pressure rises, and the stars must deliver again. Oslo awaits.
