Arsenal climb back to second place in the WSL as the battle for Champions League spots intensifies.
With six games to go, every match will be decisive in the run-in.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - MARCH 14: Alessia Russo of Arsenal scores hers team's first goal as Martina Fernandez of Everton attempts to block during the Barclays Women's Super League match between Everton FC and Arsenal FC at Walton Hall Park on March 14, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images
Arsenal climbed back into second place in the Women’s Super League following their victory away at Everton and Manchester United’s defeat at Liverpool.
With six games remaining, the battle to secure a Champions League spot is heating up, as teams jostle to finish in the top three.
Securing second place is crucial, as it grants direct entry into the UEFA Women’s Champions League at a later stage, reducing early-season fixture congestion.
Here’s how qualification works:
WSL champions: Enter directly into the 18-team League Phase, starting on 7/8 October.
WSL runners-up: Enter League Path Qualifying Round 3, playing home and away ties on 11 & 18 September.
WSL third-placed team: Enter League Path Qualifying Round 2, a mini-tournament held on 27 & 30 August.
Finishing second provides an additional 15 days of pre-season preparation, a vital advantage with the 2025 UEFA Women’s Euros taking place in Switzerland from 2-27 July.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - MARCH 14: Mariona Caldentey of Arsenal runs with the ball during the Barclays Women's Super League match between Everton FC and Arsenal FC at Walton Hall Park on March 14, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images
Players reaching the latter stages of the tournament would otherwise have minimal rest before resuming club duties, increasing their risk of injury due to overloading.
Current WSL Standings (Top three qualify for the Champions League)
Chelsea – 44 pts (+35)
Arsenal – 36 pts (+28)
Manchester United – 36 pts (+21)
Manchester City – 32 pts (+17)
Key fixtures in the Champions League race
Matchday 17
Arsenal v Liverpool
Manchester City v Chelsea
Aston Villa v Manchester United
Matchday 18
Manchester United v Everton
Crystal Palace v Arsenal
Brighton v Manchester City
Chelsea v West Ham
Matchday 19 (Same date as Champions League semi-finals)
Manchester City v Everton
Arsenal v Leicester City
Chelsea v Crystal Palace
West Ham v Manchester United
Matchday 20 (Same date as Champions League semi-finals)
Manchester United v Chelsea
Aston Villa v Arsenal
Leicester City v Manchester City
Matchday 21
Tottenham v Chelsea
Manchester United v Manchester City
Brighton v Arsenal
Matchday 22 (Final Day)
Manchester City v Crystal Palace
Chelsea v Liverpool
Arsenal v Manchester United
The race for Champions League qualification looks set to go down to the wire, while the WSL title remains Chelsea’s to lose. A key factor in the run-in will be fixture congestion – any team that reaches the Champions League semi-finals will have their Matchday 19 & 20 WSL fixtures postponed, leading to a packed schedule at the end of the season.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - MARCH 14: Renee Slegers, Manager of Arsenal, looks on prior to the Barclays Women's Super League match between Everton FC and Arsenal FC at Walton Hall Park on March 14, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images
For Arsenal, securing Champions League football for next season remains a top priority, while they continue their campaign in the current tournament, beginning with a crucial away tie against Real Madrid on Tuesday.
Keeping the squad fit will be essential, and Renée Slegers will need to manage rotations carefully to ensure the team remains fresh and ready for the challenges ahead.
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