Women's Champions League draw: Barça face Rosengard, Benfica, Frankfurt

Barcelona learned their opponents in the Champions League group stage on Friday. The draw was held in Nyon (Switzerland), with Benfica, Rosengard and Eintracht Franfkurt joining the holderrs in Group A.

The reigning champions, who were seeded alongside Olympique Lyon, Bayern Munich and Chelsea, were keen to avoid a number of opponents from the outset: PSG (Pot 2), Roma and Benfica (Pot 3) and Paris FC and Frankfurt (Pot 4). These were some of the most fearsome teams and, of all these, in the end, they drew two of them.

The Blaugrana cannot face Real Madrid until the draw for the quarter-finals, as the two teams play in the same league. The two teams have been drawn in tough groups, although Los Blancos have been less fortunate, paired with Chelsea, Hacken and Paris FC. 

What awaits Barça?

Rosengard: An old acquaintance

This is the third season that Barça have played against Rosengard. Last year, they met in the group stage and Barça won both matches. They were in the second pot in the draw because Wolfsburg were eliminated, otherwise they would have been in the third pot. 

The first time Barça advanced from the quarter-finals in the competition was against Rosengard.

Benfica: Falcón and emotions

Barça also faced Benfica last season, winning 9-0 and 2-6. But they are a team that is improving season by season. They have strengthened their squad but Barça are still, in theory, far superior. One of the interesting aspects of the clash will be the presence of ex-Barça player Andrea Falcón in the Portuguese team. It adds an emotional component to the duel. Falcón has started well at Benfica and will be a challenge for Barça. 

Eintracht Frankfurt: Less seen

Back in the Champions League after eight years, they are a historic club in the competition. With four Champions League titles to their name, they are the second club with the most Champions League titles, but they have not won it since 2015. 

They were the first winner, but they have been on a downward trend since it last became champion. Bayern and Wolsburg have been alternately dominating the German league.  

The schedule

The first round of the Champions League group stage will be played on 14 and 15 November, the second on 22 and 23 November. In December, the third and fourth matchdays are scheduled (13-14 and 20-21) and in January 2024, the fifth and sixth (24-25 and 30-31).

The draw for the quarter-finals and semi-finals will take place on 6 February. The quarter-finals will be played on 19-20 March (first leg) and 27-28 March. The semi-finals are scheduled for April: 20 and 21 (first leg) and 27 and 28 (second leg). The final will be played in San Mamés (Bilbao) on 25 May.