The Format

The Women's Champions League, similar to the men's competition, consists of several stages:

1. Qualifying round: This stage involves teams from lower-ranked UEFA associations competing in a knockout format to secure a spot in the group stage.
2. Group stage: 16 teams, including the winners from the qualifying round and teams from higher-ranked UEFA associations, are divided into four groups. They play a round-robin format, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the knockout phase.
3. Knockout phase: This phase includes the round of 16, quarter-finals, and semi-finals, where teams play home and away matches in a two-legged format. The winners are determined based on aggregate goals scored across both legs. If necessary, the away goals rule is applied in a tie, followed by extra time and penalties.
4. Final: The two teams that emerge victorious from the semi-finals face each other in a decisive match. The winner of this match is crowned the UEFA Women's Champions League champion.

The final is typically held at a neutral venue chosen by the UEFA Executive Committee well before the event. The match attracts significant media attention and has become an essential fixture in the women's football calendar. The winning team not only earns the prestigious title of European champion but also receives a trophy and a place in the UEFA Women's Super Cup match against the UEFA Women's Europa League winner.