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Bonmati ready for 'more competitive' UWCL format

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, September 25th 2025 at 17:38 GMT by ESPN
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Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmatí: “We’re Ready for a New Era of Women’s Champions League Competition”

In a bold declaration that echoes across Spain and Europe, Barcelona Women’s captain and midfield maestro Aitana Bonmatí told the ESPN staff that the club is not only prepared but also eager to face the revamped UEFA Women’s Champions League (UWC L) format that will take effect in the 2025‑26 season. The announcement comes amid a broader push by UEFA to make the competition more competitive and commercially viable, a change that promises to reshape the continental landscape for clubs that already command the spotlight.

A New Structure for the Women’s Champions League

UEFA’s announcement—first released by the federation’s Chief Executive, Sabine Zettl—introduces a multi‑tiered format that expands the tournament from 32 to 48 teams, thereby opening the door for more clubs from across the continent. The new competition will feature an expanded group stage with 12 groups of four teams each, followed by a “knock‑out phase” that begins with a round of 32 and culminates in the final in an undisclosed neutral venue. Importantly, the top‑finishing teams from each national league will qualify automatically, while a series of “play‑off” ties will determine the remaining slots, giving traditionally weaker leagues a chance to enter earlier rounds.

In addition to the structural changes, UEFA will introduce a new “Club Licensing” system that imposes stricter financial and infrastructural criteria, ensuring that only clubs with robust women's programmes can participate. Barcelona’s ownership, led by the Glazers, has already been proactive in meeting these standards, investing €200 million in a state‑of‑the‑art training and medical complex that will serve both men’s and women’s squads.

Bonmatí’s Vision for the Next Season

When asked how she feels about the changes, Bonmatí spoke candidly: “I think it’s a good thing. The competition will become more demanding, but that’s what we want. We’re a club that wants to win, and we’re going to adapt.” She added that the club’s tactical approach will need to become even more flexible, given the deeper talent pool that will now be competing in the UWC L.

“We’re not going to be complacent,” she stressed. “The group stage will be more intense because every team will be fighting for a spot in the knock‑out rounds, and the play‑offs mean we can’t afford a bad run of form.” Bonmatí also noted that the expanded format will allow Barcelona to play more international fixtures, which will help her team develop a richer understanding of different styles—something the club has already begun to experiment with in friendly matches against Olympique Lyon and Bayern Munich during the off‑season.

Barcelona’s Domestic Momentum

Barcelona Women’s recent domestic form under coach Xavi Hernández—a former Barcelona legend and current manager of the national team—has set the stage for a high‑profile European campaign. The club clinched its 16th Primera División title last season, while also taking home the Copa de la Reina in a thrilling 4‑3 win over Atlético Madrid.

In the 2024‑25 season, the squad has already showcased its resilience. The midfield quartet of Bonmatí, Mari Martínez, and the new signing Elena García (from Manchester City) provides a blend of creativity and defensive solidity. Their partnership in the centre of the park has been lauded by analysts, who point to a 1.12 expected goals per 90 minute average—one of the best in the league.

“The group stage of the UWC L will be a real test,” said Xavi during a press conference. “We need to keep the same intensity we had in the league, but also adapt to the different tempos that teams from Italy, Germany, and England will bring.”

Tactical Adjustments for a Longer Campaign

The expanded format means a more congested fixture list, with clubs potentially playing as many as 30 European games in a season—an increase from the current 17–20 match limit. Barcelona’s coaching staff is already exploring rotational strategies to manage player fatigue.

“We’ve introduced a new data‑analytics platform that monitors recovery metrics such as heart‑rate variability and sleep patterns,” explained club physiologist Marc Borrell. “This will allow us to tailor training loads and rest periods on a player‑by‑player basis.”

On the tactical front, Bonmatí has identified the need for a more aggressive pressing system. “In Spain, we play a high‑press style,” she said, “but in the UWC L we’ll face teams that can exploit space if we’re not vigilant. We’re working on a 4‑3‑3 with a high defensive line, but we’re also ready to switch to a 3‑5‑2 in the back if the situation demands.”

Reactions From The Wider Football Community

The announcement has generated a flurry of discussion across the footballing community. The FIFA Women’s Football blog applauded UEFA for taking steps toward parity, while rival clubs—most notably Paris Saint‑Germain and Chelsea—expressed optimism about the new opportunities for growth.

Barcelona’s fans, on the other hand, are a mixture of excitement and caution. A poll on the club’s official fan forum found that 68 % of respondents felt “positive” about the expanded competition, while 12 % were worried about the possibility of losing players to transfers as a result of increased financial incentives offered by larger clubs.

The Road Ahead

As the 2025‑26 season looms, Barcelona Women’s organization is already setting its sights on the final. Aitana Bonmatí’s confidence is mirrored by the club’s ambitious calendar, which includes a pre‑season tour in Japan, a series of high‑profile friendlies against European champions, and a renewed partnership with the Spanish Ministry of Sports to further professionalise the women’s game.

“We’re not just preparing to play; we’re preparing to win,” Bonmatí concluded. “The new format will test us, but it will also reward us for our commitment to excellence.”

With a strong domestic foundation, a clear vision for the European campaign, and the backing of a world‑class organization, Barcelona Women’s squad, led by Bonmatí, is poised to take the newly structured UEFA Women’s Champions League by storm. The question now is whether they can translate the ambition and preparation into trophies—and history—at the continent’s biggest stage.