The fourth matchday of the 2024-25 UEFA Women’s Champions League brought plenty of drama and talking points as the knockout stage picture started to take shape. While heavy hitters like defending champions Barcelona and perennial contenders Lyon continued their dominant runs, there were also some surprise results and individual milestones reached.
Hurtig Saves 10-Player Arsenal With Late Winner
Swedish striker Lina Hurtig was the hero for Arsenal, coming off the bench to score a 90th-minute winner against Juventus at the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners were reduced to 10 players in the second half after midfielder Lia Wälti received a second yellow card, but Hurtig’s tap-in, after missing a sitter just minutes earlier, secured a vital 1-0 win and progression to the quarterfinals.
The victory was especially sweet for Hurtig against her former club. Since joining Arsenal in 2022, the 27-year-old has had to battle injuries and personal issues, but is now proving her worth as a valuable squad player and impact sub under interim boss Renee Slegers. With 4 chances and 1.78 xG in just a 10-minute cameo, Hurtig showed a striker’s mentality to keep getting in goalscoring positions despite the earlier miss.
Putellas Notches 200th Barcelona Goal
Barcelona captain Alexia Putellas marked yet another career milestone, scoring her 200th goal for the club in their 4-1 rout of St. Pölten at the Camp Nou. The two-time Ballon d’Or winner, affectionately known as “La Reina” (The Queen) by fans, showed she is back to her pre-ACL injury best with yet another influential display.
“I am happy and it shows on the pitch,” Putellas said after the match, her 10th goal already this season after a long injury layoff.
The 30-year-old playmaker has been pivotal to Barcelona’s transformation into a dominant force in the women’s game. Her 200 goals, which rank her third on the club’s all-time scoring list behind only Lionel Messi and César Rodríguez, have contributed to an incredible 26 titles, including 8 domestic leagues and 3 Champions League crowns.
New Managers Maintain Status Quo
Last summer’s managerial merry-go-round at Europe’s top clubs threatened to shake up the established order, but so far the new hires have seamlessly maintained their teams’ winning ways in the Champions League.
- Sonia Bompastor has Chelsea purring, with 4 wins out of 4
- Lyon remain ruthless under Joe Montemurro, scoring 12 and conceding just 1
- Pere Romeu has Barcelona firing again after a slow start, with 20 goals in their last 3 games
One new manager impressing against the odds is Elena Sadiku at Celtic. The former Glasgow City boss guided the Scottish champions to the Champions League group stage for the first time, a history-making achievement. Though they remain winless, Celtic’s spirited displays, including taking the lead against Chelsea, show progress.
Are the Groups Too Easy for the Elite?
With most quarterfinalists already decided with two games to spare, questions are being raised about the competitiveness and jeopardy of the group stage. The gap between the haves and have-nots appears as large as ever, with several one-sided contests and foregone conclusions.
Next season’s switch to the “Swiss model” format used in the men’s competition promises that “every match will count,” according to UEFA. But critics argue it will only further benefit the traditional powerhouses. The new system’s true impact remains to be seen.
What is clear is that seedings and matchups will be crucial in the knockout phase. Arsenal and Bayern Munich’s hopes, for example, may hinge on winning their groups to avoid a potential quarterfinal with Lyon or Barcelona. Meanwhile, a fascinating showdown is in store between Roma and Wolfsburg for the final last-8 spot from Group A.
As Europe’s premier women’s club competition pauses for the international break, the stakes couldn’t be higher for the final two matchdays. With new records being set, new stars emerging, and new challengers rising, the Champions League is once again delivering compelling storylines and spectacular football from the women’s game. The path to the trophy is taking shape.
