Arsenal drawn with Barcelona, Lyon in Women's Champions League

Arsenal have been paired with two of Europe's most successful women's football clubs in the league phase of the Women's Champions League, setting up a demanding group stage for the English side.

Reigning champions Barcelona and French giants Olympique Lyonnais, winners of the competition on eight occasions, will provide stern tests for Mikel Arteta's squad. The draw was conducted on Friday as part of the revamped Champions League format.

The new league phase structure marks a significant change to the traditional group-stage format, with teams competing in a single league rather than separate groups. This configuration will see Arsenal face a rigorous schedule against elite opposition as they bid to advance through the competition.

The pairing represents a notable challenge for the Gunners, who will need to navigate encounters against Barcelona's attacking prowess and Lyon's European pedigree. Both opponents have established themselves as fixtures among the continent's top women's football teams in recent seasons.