Barcelona defend Women's Champions League crown with revamped squad

The Women's Champions League league phase begins on Tuesday with Barcelona defending their title amid significant squad changes that have made this season's competition more open than in recent years. The Spanish club, winners of four titles in the last six editions, has seen four starters from last season's final victory depart, including captain Alexia Putellas and defender Mapi León, who both joined London City Lionesses, fullback Ona Batlle, who moved to Arsenal, and forward Salma Paralluelo, who signed for OL Lyonnes. Despite the departures, Barcelona retain a strong squad featuring Ewa Pajor, the competition's top scorer last season, Caroline Graham Hansen, captain Patri Guijarro and three-time Ballon d'Or winner Aitana Bonmatí, who is doubtful for the opener against Paris FC on Wednesday with injury. Coach Pere Romeu, who signed a new contract, said the club prioritizes a sense of belonging over matching the wages offered by rivals, telling El Mundo Deportivo that the club as a whole is more important than any player or coach.