With short-term contracts signed, friendly matches underway and coronavirus testing continuing, Europe’s top teams are ready for the resumption of the Women’s Champions League.
Defending champion Lyon is seeking its fifth straight title and is the team to beat. Paris Saint-Germain, Arsenal, Barcelona, Wolfsburg, Atlético Madrid, Bayern Munich and Glasgow City are also in the quarterfinals.
The knockout tournament is scheduled to begin Aug. 21 in Bilbao and San Sebastian, in Spain’s northern Basque Country where local health officials fear a “second wave” of the coronavirus is underway.
Like the men’s Champions League, the women’s competition won’t be using the format of home-and-away quarterfinals and semifinals.