A Notable Stat from Every Team Following the Semifinals of the Women’s Champions League and the First Legs of the Europa Cup Final

Arsenal Take Slim Lead, Bayern Resilient

3 – Although Bayern Munich conceded early in their match, they will head to Spain with a balanced scoreline against Barcelona. The contest at the Allianz Arena ended 1-1, but not without drama, as the home side played the final 10 minutes with ten players. Franziska Kett netted Bayern’s equaliser, only to receive a red card just 11 minutes later, intensifying the closing moments. Following a heavy 7-1 defeat to Barça earlier in the group stage, Bayern have now gone three home matches against Spanish teams without a loss (2 wins, 1 draw).

4 – It is uncommon to see Barcelona fail to secure a victory, irrespective of the tournament. Ewa Pajor struck less than 10 minutes into the game to give them an early lead on the road, but they ultimately could not emerge victorious. While they still stand as the clear favourites to reach a sixth consecutive final, the path has grown slightly more challenging. Nonetheless, they remain undefeated in their last four UWCL semi-final matches (3 wins, 1 draw).

17 – A late goal from Olivia Smith sent Arsenal ahead in their semi-final clash, topping OL Lyon 2-1. Despite trailing in the first half, the reigning champions continued to press for goals, ultimately achieving the necessary result. This victory marks only the third time Arsenal have bested the French side, which could prove pivotal. In their 12 encounters, Arsenal have found the net 17 times, just two fewer than Lyon.

1 – As was the case in the quarter-finals, Lyon will need to overturn a deficit in the second leg. The record-holding champions had previously triumphed in the league phase when the two sides met last autumn, and they will aim to replicate that performance next Saturday at home. Although l’OL have never suffered back-to-back defeats in European competitions, this marks their first instance of losing two consecutive away matches. They experienced home losses in the quarter-final and semi-final rounds nine years ago but still managed to win the trophy.

Hacken on the Brink of European Glory

13 – The all-Swedish Women’s Europa Cup final saw Hammarby suffer a narrow 1-0 defeat to BK Hacken at the 3Arena. This leaves Bajen requiring a goal in Friday’s return leg – the final is contested over two matches – if they wish to secure continental triumph. Hammarby has already missed out on a home victory in the UWEC, having needed penalties to advance in the quarter-finals. It’s not as though they failed to create opportunities, recording 13 attempts in total.

6 – Hacken have stood out as the top team in the UWEC this season and have the chance to cap a remarkable campaign with silverware. Felicia Schroder found the net with the only goal midway through the first half, which proved decisive. The number six is significant for two reasons: Hacken have now achieved six clean sheets in nine UWEC fixtures, and they have remained unbeaten on the road in Europe this season across six matches (4 wins, 2 draws).