The final nine places in the new-look UEFA Women’s Champions League league phase have been confirmed, with Rinsola Babajide’s AS Roma, Manchester United, Atlético de Madrid, and Real Madrid among the sides advancing after a dramatic third qualifying round.
Roma, powered by Babajide’s efforts before her substitution just shy of the hour mark, overturned a first-leg deficit to book their place in Europe’s elite competition for the fourth consecutive year.
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An Ashley Barron own goal brought the tie level before Valentina Bergamaschi struck in the 61st minute to seal a 2-0 victory on the night and a 3-2 aggregate turnaround.
Nigerian defender Shukurat Oladipo was an unused substitute at the Estádio Municipal de Rio Maior as Roma held firm to progress.
Atlético de Madrid sealed qualification after extra time against Häcken, while Manchester United also staged a comeback to secure their first-ever appearance in the new 18-team league phase. Real Madrid, Vålerenga, Twente, and St. Pölten also advanced, with Paris FC and OH Leuven completing the line-up — the Belgian side continuing their fairy-tale European debut.
They now join the nine automatic entrants, including holders Arsenal, record winners Lyon, Barcelona, Chelsea, Bayern München, Wolfsburg, Paris Saint-Germain, Benfica, and Juventus.
The nine sides defeated in this qualifying round drop into the UEFA Women’s Europa Cup second qualifying stage, ensuring continued continental competition.
The draw for the inaugural league phase will take place at 12:00 CET on Friday, 19 September.
League Phase Line-Up:
Holders: Arsenal
France: Lyon, Paris Saint-Germain, Paris FC
Germany: Bayern München, Wolfsburg
Spain: Barcelona, Atlético de Madrid, Real Madrid
England: Chelsea, Manchester United
Italy: Juventus, Roma
Portugal: Benfica
Netherlands: Twente
Norway: Vålerenga
Austria: St. Pölten
Belgium: OH Leuven
