The 2024/25 UEFA Women’s Champions League group stage is set to draw to a close this week, with matchday 6 marking the final round of fixtures. With most of the qualification spots already secured, the focus shifts to securing top spots, finalizing group standings, and finishing strong ahead of the knockout rounds.
As the group stage concludes, seven of the eight quarter-final berths have already been claimed, with Lyon, Chelsea, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Arsenal, Manchester City, and Barcelona all mathematically through. However, several intriguing matchups remain, with teams fighting for pride, momentum, and positioning ahead of the knockout stage. Here, we provide our predictions for every match on the final matchday.
FC Twente vs Celtic – A Last Chance for Celtic
Both FC Twente and Celtic are already out of the running for the knockout stages, with the Dutch side sitting on three points and Celtic still searching for their first win of the group. FC Twente won the previous encounter 2-0 in Scotland, and they’ll be keen to repeat that success at home.
For Celtic, it has been a tough campaign in the Women’s Champions League, with five defeats so far. Despite their struggles, they will be determined to end their group stage on a positive note, but given their away record and Twente’s current form, it seems like an uphill battle.
Prediction: FC Twente 3-1 Celtic
Real Madrid vs Chelsea – Battle for Group B Supremacy
Both Real Madrid and Chelsea have already secured qualification from Group B, but the top spot remains up for grabs. Chelsea are currently in pole position, but Real Madrid, who have been in fine form with four consecutive victories, will be eager to claim top spot. The Spanish side is full of confidence after their recent successes, with their only loss in the last ten games coming against Barcelona.
Chelsea, while strong, showed some vulnerability in their recent 1-1 draw against Leicester City in the WSL, and the absence of key players could affect their chances in Madrid. Expect a close contest, but Real Madrid’s recent form suggests they could cause an upset here.
Prediction: Real Madrid 2-1 Chelsea
Lyon vs Wolfsburg – Lyon to Finish Top of Group A
Lyon have already wrapped up qualification as Group A winners, while Wolfsburg will likely finish second, barring a massive turnaround in goal difference. The French giants are in imperious form, having won all but one of their group-stage matches.
In their previous encounter with Wolfsburg, Lyon claimed a comfortable 2-0 victory, and given their home advantage and superior form, it’s hard to see anything other than a Lyon victory. Wolfsburg will need to produce something special to challenge Lyon, but with little at stake for the French side, they may take this opportunity to rest some key players.
Prediction: Lyon 3-2 Wolfsburg
Roma vs Galatasaray – Roma to End on a High
Roma‘s hopes of progressing to the knockout rounds are slim, needing a massive 17-goal swing in their favor to catch Wolfsburg. However, the Italian side will be eager to finish the group stage with a dominant victory. They’ve already defeated Galatasaray 6-1 earlier in the campaign, and given the Turkish side’s struggles, it’s likely to be another comfortable win for Roma.
With no major implications for either side, Roma will want to go out with a statement performance and build momentum ahead of their domestic fixtures.
Prediction: Roma 6-0 Galatasaray
St Polten vs Hammarby – A Fight for Pride
St Polten and Hammarby are both eliminated from contention for the knockout rounds, but they’ll still be determined to end their Champions League campaigns with a win. The Austrian side, in particular, have yet to pick up a point in the competition, and they’ll be keen to avoid going through the group stage without a victory.
Hammarby, who won the previous encounter 2-0, will enter this match as favorites. However, St Polten will have the advantage of playing at home and could make this one a closely contested affair. Despite their struggles, Hammarby’s quality should shine through.
Prediction: St Polten 1-2 Hammarby
Barcelona vs Manchester City – Barcelona to Secure Top Spot
Barcelona will host Manchester City on matchday 6 in what could be a crucial clash for top spot in Group D. Barcelona, who have been dominant in the group, will secure first place with a win, thanks to their superior goal difference. Manchester City, on the other hand, will be battling to avoid another defeat after a disappointing loss to Everton in the WSL over the weekend.
City shocked Barcelona with a 2-0 win in October, but with key players like Lauren Hemp, Vivianne Miedema, and Khadija Shaw sidelined, it’s hard to see them pulling off another upset. Barcelona will be determined to finish the group stage on a high and should have enough to claim all three points.
Prediction: Barcelona 3-0 Manchester City
Juventus vs Valerenga – Juventus to Wrap Up with Victory
Juventus and Valerenga are both already out of the running for the knockout stages, with Juventus firmly in control of third place in Group C. Valerenga, on the other hand, have struggled throughout the group stage, picking up just one point.
The two teams played out a close 1-0 win for Juventus in their first meeting, but given the quality gap between the sides, Juventus will be heavy favorites to secure another three points here. This match is more about gaining momentum ahead of the winter break than anything else for both teams.
Prediction: Juventus 2-0 Valerenga
Arsenal vs Bayern Munich – A Draw to Decide Top Spot
Arsenal and Bayern Munich will face off in a match that has minimal implications for qualification but could decide who finishes top of Group C. Bayern triumphed 5-2 in the reverse fixture earlier in the campaign, but since then, Arsenal have shown vast improvement under interim manager Renee Slegers.
While Bayern remain one of the strongest teams in Europe, Arsenal have been in excellent form recently, and this could be a closer affair than their previous meeting. With both teams already through to the quarter-finals, this match might end in a draw as both sides play it safe.
Prediction: Arsenal 2-2 Bayern Munich
With most groups already settled, the final round of fixtures in the 2024/25 UEFA Women’s Champions League will provide a fitting conclusion to the group stage. Teams like Barcelona, Chelsea, and Lyon will look to secure top spots, while others will be fighting to end their campaigns on a positive note. The quarter-final draw on February 7 promises to be a thrilling event, setting the stage for what is sure to be an exciting knockout phase.
