"The first 18-team league phase of the new UEFA Women's Champions League is over. Barcelona, OL Lyonnes, Chelsea and Bayern Munich made up the top four, with the first three remaining unbeaten, while defending champions Arsenal finished fifth and debutants Manchester United and OH Leuven produced some inspired performances to secure a spot in the knockout playoffs. There were goals, comebacks and drama throughout the league phases and, with 54 games done, here were the top performing players neatly fitted into an XI."
"Seynhaeve was one of the biggest reasons that debutants Leuven made it through to the top 12. With her quick reflexes and reach, the Belgian goalkeeper was like a wall, frustrating dangerous attacks from the likes of Barcelona, PSG and Roma, and recorded the second-best save percentage during the league phase (83.9%). Despite just one clean sheet, the 25-year-old prevented almost seven goals across the six games, conceding just eight times (excluding own goals) from a post-shot expected goal (PSxG) value of 14.9."
"At 25, Bacha is already one of the veterans of the competition. But the all-action left back showcased her impact across all phases of play and picked up two assists. Her defensive workrate and unique creative gene makes her an indispensable part of Giraldez's system. She is also heavily influential in the possession phase for Jonathan Giraldez's OL Lyonnes side, and recorded the most touches (516) and attempted the most passes (472)."
The 18-team UEFA Women's Champions League league phase comprised 54 matches. Barcelona, OL Lyonnes, Chelsea and Bayern Munich finished as the top four, with Barcelona, OL Lyonnes and Chelsea unbeaten. Defending champions Arsenal finished fifth. Debutants Manchester United and OH Leuven secured places in the knockout playoffs. OH Leuven goalkeeper Seynhaeve posted an 83.9% save percentage, conceded eight goals versus a PSxG of 14.9 and produced multiple games with 10+ saves. OL Lyonnes left back Bacha registered two assists, led touches (516), attempted the most passes (472) and supplied the most crosses (68), including 10 into the box. Barcelona conceded three goals.
Read at ESPN.com
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