The UEFA Women's Champions League resumes this week for Matchday 3 of the league phase, following a landmark Ballon d'Or ceremony in London where Harry Kane and Alexia Putellas were named the best players of the year. The midway point of the league phase arrives with only one team on maximum points, while several clubs look to revive their campaigns ahead of February's knockout playoffs.
Wednesday's schedule features high-profile clashes including Chelsea vs. Roma, Bayern Munich vs. Real Madrid, and Arsenal vs. Benfica, all kicking off at 1:45 p.m. Eastern. Later, OL Lyonnes host Inter at 4 p.m. Eastern. Thursday brings further action with Barcelona visiting HB Koge at 4 p.m. Eastern, and Manchester City facing Paris Saint-Germain at the same time.
Barcelona enter Matchday 3 as the standout side after a 5-2 win over Paris FC and a 6-0 demolition of Roma. The Catalan club swept the Ballon d'Or awards, winning best club, while manager Pere Romeu was named women's coach of the year, Vicky Lopez took best young talent, and Cata Coll earned best goalkeeper. Alexia Putellas, now with London City Lionesses, claimed the women's Ballon d'Or for her performances last season. Barcelona's attack, powered by Lopez, Claudia Pina, Kerolin, and Ewa Pajor, has them cruising in the league phase.
In other competitions, Serie A offers AC Milan vs. Bologna and Venezia vs. Inter on Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. Eastern, while the EFL Cup sees Manchester City host Brighton at 3:30 p.m. Eastern.
