Welcome to live coverage of the Women's Champions League play-off first leg between Leuven and Arsenal, kicking off at 5.45pm GMT. This match marks a pivotal moment in the competition's new format, introduced this year after the group stages were replaced by a league system.
New Play-Off Format Explained
In a significant change to the Women's Champions League, the traditional group phase has been scrapped in favour of a league structure. Under this new system, the top four teams automatically secured their spots in the quarter-finals. The remaining places are now being contested through these play-off rounds, adding an extra layer of drama and intensity to the tournament.
Arsenal's Title Defence Begins
Arsenal enter this tie as the defending champions, having triumphed in the previous season. Their status as title-holders makes them formidable opponents, and Leuven face a daunting challenge to overcome the Gunners. However, today's match in Leuven presents a crucial opportunity for the home side to gain an advantage before the second leg.
If Leuven can secure a positive result in this first encounter, they will put significant pressure on Arsenal ahead of the return fixture in London next week. Conversely, a loss for Leuven today would make overturning the deficit in the English capital an uphill battle, akin to climbing a mountain.
Team News and Build-Up
Team news is expected shortly before kick-off, with both sides likely to field their strongest line-ups for this high-stakes clash. Stay tuned for all the latest updates, including pre-match analysis and insights, as we build up to what promises to be an enthralling contest. This game is set to be a cracker, showcasing the best of women's football on the European stage.
As the action unfolds, we will provide live commentary and key moments from the match. Don't miss any of the excitement as Leuven and Arsenal battle it out for a place in the quarter-finals of the Women's Champions League.
