Stamford Bridge is set for a monumental clash as Chelsea's women's team prepares to host the formidable FC Barcelona in a pivotal Women's Champions League group stage encounter.
Match Preview and Team News
Under the guidance of manager Sonia Bompastor, Chelsea currently sits fifth in the group table. Their European campaign began with a frustrating 1-1 draw against FC Twente, but they have since found their scoring touch with emphatic 4-0 and 6-0 victories against Paris FC and St Polten respectively.
However, the Blues face their toughest test yet. Barcelona arrives in London two points ahead, having secured a perfect record of three wins from three matches. The Spanish giants have been in devastating form, netting 14 goals while conceding just one, and are hot on the heels of group leaders Lyon.
Chelsea's task is made more daunting by a recent history of disappointment against this opponent, having lost to Barcelona in three consecutive Champions League semi-finals. Their confidence may also be impacted by a weekend draw against Liverpool in the Women's Super League.
The home side will be without several key players. Star goalkeeper Hannah Hampton is out until the new year, and striker Sam Kerr remains sidelined as she continues her recovery from an ACL injury. They are joined on the injury list by Kadeisha Buchanan and Mayra Ramirez. There is a glimmer of positive news, as Naomi Girma and Aggie Beever-Jones made appearances from the bench last weekend and could be in contention to start.
Barcelona also has significant absences. The influential Patri Guijarro and Salma Paralluelo are confirmed absent due to injury. There is also a doubt over Dutch international Esmee Brugts, who was substituted in their last match against Real Madrid.
How to Watch for Free in the UK
The match is scheduled for Thursday, 20 November 2025, with kick-off at 8pm GMT at Stamford Bridge.
For viewers in the United Kingdom, the game will be broadcast live and free of charge. Coverage begins at 7:30pm GMT on BBC Two and can be streamed simultaneously via BBC iPlayer.
Subscribers to Disney+ can also tune in, with subscriptions for the service starting from £5.99 per month.
Predicted Line-Ups for the Big Game
Based on current squad availability, the starting elevens are anticipated to be:
Chelsea predicted XI: Peng; Bronze, Bjorn, Girma, Charles; Thompson, Cuthbert, Walsh, Kaptein, Baltimore; Beever-Jones.
Barcelona predicted XI: Coll; Camara, Paredes, Leon, Batlle; Bonmati, Lopez, Putellas; Graham Hansen, Pina, Pajor.
