Barcelona's team is markedly different to the one Arsenal faced in the 2025 Women's Champions League final - but the challenge is as difficult as ever. Three-time Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas was among a number of high-profile summer departures, but Barca remain favourites to continue their European domination. The reigning champions have won all three league-phase matches, scoring 19 goals, and welcome Arsenal to the Nou Camp on Thursday ( ).
Two seasons ago, Arsenal stunned Barcelona in the Women's Champions League final, less than five months after Renee Slegers was named permanent manager. That victory kick-started a new era for the Gunners under Slegers, but it has not gone to plan so far this season. Disappointing results and a five-game winless run, which ended in October, have left Arsenal sixth in the Women's Super League.
However, the Gunners have started the European campaign well and are fifth in the table with seven points from their first three matches. And given Barcelona's summer changes, Arsenal might have hoped to be facing a team in transition - but the Spanish giants look as strong as ever. So how have Barca - who have won four of the past six Women's Champions League titles - hit the ground running this term despite losing some of their key players?
Nations League draw, BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year & can Arsenal shock Barcelona again? Cast your vote for BBC Women's Footballer of the Year 2026 What is the Women's Champions League prize money? When Spain great Putellas left Barcelona in the summer to join London City Lionesses, it felt like the end of an era.
She was followed to Bromley by defender Mapi Leon, while full-back Ona Batlle joined Arsenal and Salma Paralluelo swapped Barcelona for European rivals Lyon. All four had played a key part in Barcelona's dominance and ended their time at the club with a historic quadruple, including a fourth Champions League last season. So how have Barcelona coped with losing such big players?
"Every season is different. There are always changes but we know that's football," Barcelona's Esmee Brugts told BBC Sport. "There's an opportunity to make a new story and that's up to us.
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