Manchester United Women make historic Champions League debut as Chelsea held to draw

Maya Le Tissier’s first-half penalty secures a memorable win for United, while Chelsea are frustrated in the Netherlands.

Manchester United Women marked their debut in the UEFA Women’s Champions League with a 1–0 victory over Norwegian side Valerenga on Wednesday night. Maya Le Tissier’s first-half penalty proved decisive on a landmark evening for the club.

United, who only launched their women’s team in 2018, have long been playing catch-up with Europe’s elite. But their first-ever match in the competition showcased their growing stature and ambition on the continental stage.

Chelsea held in Twente

Chelsea, meanwhile, were left frustrated after being held to a 1–1 draw away to FC Twente in their opening group-stage fixture. Despite a dominant performance, Emma Hayes’ side were unable to make their superiority count.

Twente struck first just after the hour mark when Danique van Ginkel curled a superb strike around Millie Bright and into the top corner beyond Livia Peng.

The Blues were handed a lifeline 20 minutes from time when Guro Reiten was brought down inside the penalty area, allowing Sandi Baltimore to confidently level from the spot.

Chelsea have dominated domestically, winning the Women’s Super League for the past six seasons, but have never lifted the Champions League trophy — a gap they are determined to close this term.

Elsewhere in Europe

Two-time winners Wolfsburg began their campaign in emphatic fashion, thrashing Paris Saint-Germain 4–0. Jackie Groenen’s early own goal gave the German side the lead, before Ella Peddemors, Alexandra Popp and Janina Minge added to the tally.

Real Madrid produced a statement performance with a 6–2 demolition of Roma, inspired by doubles from Scottish international Caroline Weir and Alba Redondo.

Defending champions Arsenal suffered a 2–1 defeat at home to Lyon, while Barcelona were in irresistible form, crushing Bayern Munich 7–1 in Tuesday’s standout fixture.

New format raises stakes

This season’s Women’s Champions League features 18 participating teams playing six matches each in a league phase.

The top four sides will qualify directly for the quarter-finals, while teams finishing fifth to 12th will enter play-offs to secure the remaining places in the last eight.