A Closer Look at Arsenal’s three UWCL Group-Stage Opponents:

A zoomed-in view of Bayern Munich, Juventus and Valerenga ahead of The Gunners’ first UWCL match-up this week.

After a successful qualification campaign, Arsenal Women have booked their place in the UEFA Women’s Champions League group stage, returning to European football after a year’s absence.

Following the draw, Arsenal find themselves facing Bayern Munich, Juventus and Valerenga. Here’s a closer look at the teams the Gunners will encounter ahead of their first fixture this Wednesday. 

FC Bayern Munich

Currently sitting first in the competitive Frauen-Bundesliga, these German Giants are a force to be reckoned with.

Their UWCL journey ended in the group stage last season, but they will hope to go one further this year.

The last time they featured in the knockout stages, Arsenal knocked them out, so they will be after redemption against The Reds this year.

Entering the competition in the group stage means they have not had to endure qualification, which could be helpful with loading.

Alexander Straus’ side boasts many talented players such as German international Lea Schuller and Lionesses star Georgia Stanway.

They like to hold the ball in midfield and attack from there; they will present a different challenge to the low defensive blocks that Arsenal often face, their tactical strength will require quick reactions and concentration from the Gunners.

Juventus

Another team that is currently leading in their domestic league, Juventus, the current top Serie A team, will be eager to make progress in this year’s UWCL competition.

They didn’t feature in last year’s group stage after losing in qualification, but after an active summer transfer which included the arrivals of rising Swedish star Hanna Bennison and Swiss Forward Alisha Lehmann.

Juventus will be looking to show off their love of possession against the Gunners.

One player to watch out for is Cristiana Girelli, a proven goalscorer and reliable force in the team’s attack.

Juventus are riding high with five consecutive wins in all competitions, and they’ll be determined to maintain that momentum.  

Valerenga Damer

Making their debut in the UWCL group stage, Norway’s Valerenga are the dark horses in Group C. They currently lead the Toppserien leading by a commanding 11 points ahead of second-place Brann.

They are on an eighteen-match-long winning streak, which includes an impressive UWCL qualification campaign. Despite their ‘underdog’ status, Valerenga will be eager to prove they can compete with Europe’s elite.

A dangerous attacker for Arsenal to watch out for is Olaug Tvedten who was the Toppserien’s Golden Boot runner-up last season. Led by coach Nils Lexerod, Valerenga’s young squad is pacy and fit.

They will likely approach these matches with fearlessness, relishing the chance to disrupt the group’s established powers.

Arsenal’s UWCL group stage campaign begins today (October 9) with an away clash against FC Bayern Munich.

Kick-off is at 1745 UK time and fans can watch on DAZN’s YouTube channel.

Isobel Gilligan