-wf080: UEFA Women’s Champions Leagues Matchday Quarterfinals Leg 1

[Blogger’s Prediction on March 23, 2026]
Barcelona and OL Lyonnes will likely win. The Arsenal vs. Chelsea match is a big London derby and is expected to be a close contest. Arsenal currently has the momentum. The United vs. Bayern match will depend on Hini’s recovery.

[Overall Review by the Blogger]
The two matches on March 24th saw the inferior home teams emerge victorious. Wolfsburg’s win was particularly surprising, as they withstood Lyon’s attacks. Arsenal seemed to be saved by the goalposts. Conversely, the two matches on March 25th saw the away teams, who were on the offensive, emerge victorious. Barcelona’s win was as expected. United substituted Hinata Miyazawa for the tall Simi Awujo resulting in an equalizer from a corner kick, but ultimately succumbed to Momoko Tanikawa’s attacking prowess.
Every match in the second leg is expected to be interesting. A comeback for Real Madrid seems unlikely, but Rinda Caicedo’s performance is worth watching.

[Results of quarter finals first leg]
Tuesday, March 24, 2026

QF1: Wolfsburg 1-0 OL Lyonnes at VfL Wolfsburg Arena, Wolfsburg
Wolfsburg’s goal: L. Beerensteyn (14’)
OL Lyonnes dominated possession at 56%, had 52 to 21 attacks, and won 10 to 1 corner kicks, giving them the advantage in terms of the match’s performance. Wolfsburg held onto their one-goal lead from the first half to secure the win.

QF2: Arsenal 3-1 Chelsea at Arsenal Stadium, London
Arsenal’s goals: S. Blackstenius (22’), C. Kelly (32’), A. Russo (76’)
Chelsea’s goal: L. James (66’)
Chelsea dominated ball possession at 59% and had more attacks than their opponents: 31:23, dominating the game. They hit the post twice before conceding a goal. The middle range shots from Chloe Kelly, Lauren James, and Alessia Russo were superb.

Wednesday, March 25, 2026

QF3: Real Madrid 2-6 Barcelona at Estadio Alfredo Di Stéfano, Madrid
Real Madrid’s goals: L. Caicedo (30’, 66’)
Barcelona’s goals: E. Pajor (6’, 57’), E. Brugts 813’), I. Paredes (32’), V. López (64’), A. Putellas (89’, P)
Linda Caicedo scoring a goal all by herself twice was incredible. On the other hand, Barcelona’s depth of squad is particularly noteworthy, as they were able to execute an attack that Real Madrid’s defense couldn’t withstand, even without Aitana Bommati.

QF4: United 2-3 Bayern München at Old Trafford, Manchester
United’s goals: M. Le Tissier (24’, P), H. Lundkvist (76’)
Bayern München’s goals: P. Harder (27, 71’), M. Tanikawa (84’)
Bayern München had 54% ball possession, but both teams had 38 attacks, making it a close match. Harder’s finishing ability on the counter-attacks was impressive. Hinata Miyazawa’s condition was clearly not good. Conversely, Momoko Tanikawa, who came on as a substitute in the 59th minute, assisted Pernille Harder’s second goal and then scored herself the winning goal.