UEFA Women’s Champions League: Real Madrid Femenino Host Roma Women in Group Stage Opener
The Estadio Alfredo Di Stéfano in Madrid is set to ignite on October 8, 2025, as Real Madrid Femenino welcome Roma Women for a highly anticipated UEFA Women’s Champions League group stage clash. This encounter marks a significant moment for both clubs, representing not only their inaugural head-to-head meeting but also a critical opening fixture in their European campaign. With both sides demonstrating ambition and recent domestic success, what promises to be an enthralling contest will undoubtedly set the tone for their European aspirations this season.
Real Madrid Femenino, a relatively young but rapidly ascending force in women’s football since their rebranding in 2020, will be looking to leverage their home advantage in their modern stadium within the Ciudad Real Madrid training complex. Their journey has been one of consistent progress, culminating in a quarter-final appearance in the 2024-25 Champions League season. Facing them are Roma Women, established in 2018, who arrive in Spain as formidable opponents, having celebrated a Serie A title in 2022-23 and a domestic double in the 2023-24 season.
As these two European hopefuls prepare to lock horns for the very first time, intriguing questions arise: Can Real Madrid’s dynamic attack overcome Roma’s tactical discipline? Will the Giallorosse’s strong away form in the Champions League continue on Spanish soil? The answers will begin to unfold on the hallowed turf of the Alfredo Di Stéfano.
Head-to-Head: A Fresh European Rivalry
This upcoming fixture between Real Madrid Femenino and Roma Women will be a historic occasion, as it marks their very first official meeting across all competitions.
Consequently, there are no prior statistics regarding total matches played, wins, draws, losses, or notable outcomes to analyze. This virgin encounter adds an extra layer of intrigue, as both teams will be keen to establish early dominance and set a precedent for any future matchups.
Current Form & Team News
Real Madrid Femenino
Real Madrid Femenino enters this Champions League opener in strong domestic form, having secured three wins and a draw in their last five Liga F matches, with only one loss. Their recent run includes a comfortable 3-0 victory over Badalona and a dominant 4-0 win against Deportivo La Coruna. Las Blancas are currently on a six-game unbeaten run across all competitions, securing five wins and keeping clean sheets in their last four outings. Offensively, Real Madrid has been particularly potent at home in the UWCL, scoring at least two goals in five of their last six matches. Furthermore, seven of their eight games across all competitions this season have seen over 2.5 goals.
Key players like Linda Caicedo, Naomie Feller, and Athenea del Castillo have been in excellent goal-scoring form, with Caicedo notably breaking the deadlock in a recent Liga F match. Colombian star Linda Caicedo is highlighted for her dribbling and goal-scoring instincts, alongside Caroline Weir and Athenea del Castillo, who bring flair, speed, and creativity to a dynamic frontline. While their attacking prowess and set-piece threat are significant strengths, Real Madrid’s high pressing style can sometimes leave them vulnerable to quality counter-attacks, exposing defensive lapses and tactical shortcomings.
Roma Women
Roma Women arrive in Madrid having also demonstrated impressive recent form, with four wins and one loss in their last five outings. Their path to this stage saw them overcome Sporting Lisbon in a qualification tie, showcasing their resilience despite a potential setback in one leg. Notably, Roma’s away games in the Champions League have a history of being high-scoring affairs, with ten of their last eleven away matches (including qualifiers) producing three goals or more, and eight of those seeing both teams score.
Under the guidance of coach Claudio Ranieri, who took over in late 2024, Roma has adopted a more counter-attacking style, often employing a 5-3-2 formation which can be challenging for opponents to break down. This tactical setup emphasizes defensive organization, aiming to choke spaces in front of goal. Key players for Roma include Manuela Giugliano, Emilie Haavi, Andressa Alves, Annamaria Serturini, Valentina Giacinti, and Sophie Roman Haug, all of whom play crucial roles in their build-up and attacking schemes.
Tactical Preview
The tactical battle in midfield is expected to be fierce. Real Madrid Femenino, under their current coach, typically employs a high-pressing game with a dynamic frontline, seeking to dominate possession and create numerous attacking opportunities. Their attacking threats, particularly from players like Linda Caicedo and Athenea del Castillo, will test Roma’s defensive resolve.
Roma Women, on the other hand, are likely to present a well-organized defensive unit, possibly utilizing a 5-3-2 formation under Claudio Ranieri to absorb pressure and launch swift counter-attacks. Their reliance on short passing from the back, orchestrated by players like Manuela Giugliano, will be key to their build-up play. The Giallorosse’s ability to transition quickly and exploit the space left by Real Madrid’s high press could be a decisive factor.
The match will be played at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stéfano, a familiar and comfortable environment for Real Madrid Femenino. While specific weather forecasts for October 8, 2025, are unavailable, typical early autumn conditions in Madrid are generally mild. Roma’s travel from Italy to Spain could introduce a minor element of travel fatigue, though professional teams are well-equipped to manage such factors. The pitch conditions at the Di Stéfano are expected to be immaculate, mirroring those of the Santiago Bernabéu, allowing for free-flowing football.
