Arsenal Champions League tie against Real Madrid: Date set | OneFootball

Arsenal will begin their UEFA Women’s Champions League quarter-final campaign with an away leg against Real Madrid on March 18, before welcoming the Spanish side to the Emirates Stadium for the return fixture on March 26.

The tie is part of a crucial period for Renee Slegers’ side, with seven matches scheduled between March 2 and March 30, making squad management and fitness paramount in their pursuit of European and domestic success.

With an international break preceding this congested run, Slegers will be hoping her players return unscathed as Arsenal prepare for a high-stakes month. The club’s depth will be tested, particularly with the Champions League fixtures falling in the middle of an already relentless schedule.

The quarter-final draw has also produced an all-English tie, with Manchester City facing Chelsea, while Bayern Munich take on Lyon and Wolfsburg meet Barcelona. The semi-final draw places the winner of Arsenal v Real Madrid against the winner of Bayern v Lyon, setting up the possibility of a heavyweight clash in the latter stages of the competition.

Beyond individual club ambitions, the performance of Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester City carries added significance for English football.

The UEFA Association Ranking at the end of the season will determine how many direct qualification spots the Women’s Super League receives for the newly formatted 2026/27 Champions League.

As it stands, France (65.999 points) and England (64.165 points) are in a tight battle for the top two spots, with Spain (62.999) and Germany (61.322) are close behind. Only the top two associations will receive two direct entries into the League Phase, meaning every English team must advance as far as possible to secure the WSL’s standing among Europe’s elite.

With the Champions League final set for May 24 in Lisbon, Arsenal’s journey towards European glory continues in Madrid. Slegers will know that progression in this tournament is not just about club success, but also about ensuring England remains at the top of European football’s hierarchy.