Barcelona Women start Champions League title defense at Paris FC

FC Barcelona Women kick off the defense of their Champions League crown this Wednesday with a demanding trip to Paris FC. The group stage opener starts at 21.00 CEST and will be broadcast on Disney+. The Catalan side arrive as reigning champions after thrashing Michele Kang's Lyon 4-0 in the Oslo final, and they begin the new cycle with the same ambition and Warsaw as the dream venue to lift the trophy once again.

• Barcelona visit Paris FC in the opening round of the 2026-27 Women's Champions League.
• The squad defend the title won in Oslo after beating Lyon 4-0 in the final.
• Vicky López and Kika join Aleixandri and Van Asten on the injury list.
• Aitana Bonmatí looks set to miss at least one more match, while Irene Paredes should make the squad.
• Ewa Pajor leads the attack in her third European season as a Barcelona player.

Barcelona begin title defense in Paris

The European debut comes in a setting that demands focus from the very first minute. Paris FC host the European champions aiming to pull off an upset, while Pere Romeu's side approach the match as the opening step of a journey they hope ends in Warsaw. The coach has insisted in recent days that the Oslo triumph belongs to the past and that rebuilding success starts from scratch.

Barcelona's recent record in the competition backs their status as favorites: they have played in seven of the last eight finals and lifted four continental titles. That consistency turns every European opener into a test of continuity for a dressing room used to competing for everything.

Injuries shape Pere Romeu's lineup against Paris FC

The starting eleven will be heavily influenced by absences. The already known casualties of Aleixandri and Van Asten are now joined by Vicky López and Kika, with Romeu having admitted on Tuesday that he did not expect either of them to be available for tonight's clash. Aïcha and Carla Julià are also unavailable as they compete for Spain at the Under-20 World Cup.

The good news comes in defense: Irene Paredes is expected to make the squad and could feature on the pitch. Aitana Bonmatí, meanwhile, is close to returning, but everything suggests she will have to wait at least one more match before getting back to competitive action.

Academy players complete the squad

The pile-up of absences forces Romeu to rely on the young players who have become familiar faces in his recent matchday squads. Daniela, Martina González, Carolina, Lúa Arufe and Mayssa all have strong chances of making the list for tonight and bringing fresh energy to a demanding debut.

Pajor leads the attack in pursuit of the Warsaw final

Despite the injuries, the team's attacking firepower remains intact with its main threat up front. Ewa Pajor enters her third European campaign in blaugrana colors after finally winning her first Champions League last season. The Polish striker arrives with renewed excitement and the firm belief that the continental tournament is the biggest goal of the campaign.

The Warsaw final stands as the ultimate horizon for Pajor, who knows the journey to the decider will be long and full of obstacles. Her presence in attack guarantees goals and leadership for a side determined to extend its European dominance.

FAQ: Barcelona Women's Champions League opener