ata Journalist & Transfer Specialist

When Liverpool returned to the Women’s Super League last summer, it marked the return of one of England’s most successful clubs to the top flight. During the halcyon days of the early 2010s, the Merseyside club were consistently competing for the title. In Matt Beard’s first spell, Liverpool even have the coveted honour of being one of only a couple of sides to successfully go back-to-back in terms of winning league Championships.&nbsp;During this first period in the top flight, the Reds have seen the likes of Sophie Ingle, Lucy Bronze, Shanice van de Sanden, Fara Williams and Caroline Weir to name but a few don the famous Liverbird crest.&nbsp;<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/kifli_tech_website_bucket/ata-football/imago0013509101h_7933fb4396/imago0013509101h_7933fb4396.jpg" alt="imago0013509101h.jpg">Liverpool FC Women are a huge institution and it is right to see them back in the top flight and being supported properly by the club. Matt Beard’s return to the club heralded a deserved promotion from the Women’s Championship. However, the task of staying up in the WSL was a daunting one. Teams traditionally do struggle in their first year up, due to the disparity in budget and experience.Liverpool has passed this test with flying colours, however. From their opening day scalp of English Champions Chelsea at Prenton Park to the more recent bloody nose they gave Manchester City, Beard’s team has been synonymous with being difficult to play against and tough to beat.&nbsp;There is a likeable quality about how hard the team works. The sum of the whole is greater than the individual parts. Every single player runs their heart out, and battles, blocks and scraps for every ball. They have not given away easy chances in most matches and have seldom suffered the ignominy of absolutely collapsing in matches. Most importantly, they have shown a real ability to take chances when they come, and not squandered opportunities to claim important points.&nbsp;<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/kifli_tech_website_bucket/ata-football/imago1029351050h_f5cb85fd49/imago1029351050h_f5cb85fd49.jpg" alt="imago1029351050h.jpg">A lot of this mirrors the ethos of Matt Beard. He demands hard work because he puts in the hard graft himself off the pitch. It is that reason why he is so respected and adored by the club and the fans. Beard is nothing if not pragmatic and some of his selections have reflected this. He shows respect to some of the top sides through this, but it also doesn’t mean he doesn’t believe that Liverpool can get positive results. This faith has been repaid by the early impressive results, particularly against teams in the European race.&nbsp;This is not to say they don’t have real quality too. The return of Shanice van de Sanden has added a real sprinkle of star quality to the squad. A multi-Champions League-winning winger, with electric pace and a winning mentality. It 100% galvanised the team to acquire a player of this stature. It’s a testament to van de Sanden’s own love for the club that she chose to return too, having already spent time on Merseyside in their glory years.&nbsp;One of the most impressive elements of the Liverpool season has been the performances of Missy Bo-Kearns. The all-action central midfielder is getting better every single season and her leadership has started to really shine through this year. She has a fantastic passing range, reads the game very well and increasingly is becoming a big part of the team from an attacking perspective. Having already featured for England at youth levels to great success, there is no doubt she will soon be joining the coveted ranks of the Lionesses.&nbsp;<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/kifli_tech_website_bucket/ata-football/imago1029968610h_1285969373/imago1029968610h_1285969373.jpg" alt="imago1029968610h.jpg">Liverpool’s season has generally been very solid, which has to be considered a real success in their first year back. Whilst a number of sides are still looking nervously over the shoulder, the Reds can enjoy the luxury of mid-table and even still have an outside chance of overtaking their cross-city rivals Everton. Even if not, a 7th-place finish would represent an excellent building block for the future.&nbsp;The next step for Liverpool is to try and ensure that they once again are competing in the top half of the WSL on a consistent basis. The hierarchy in the league has changed once again and now a lot of teams are investing heavily. Liverpool needs to continue doing this to ensure they can continue to grow. In addition, there is absolutely no reason why they cannot really challenge in the Continental Cup and Women’s FA Cup. In the latter, they were perhaps unlucky to draw Chelsea - the eventual winners - so early in the competition, and also had to visit the imposing fortress of Kingsmeadow. That said, the Continental Cup performance was a little disappointing this year.&nbsp;<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/kifli_tech_website_bucket/ata-football/imago1028981781h_af40178575/imago1028981781h_af40178575.jpg" alt="imago1028981781h.jpg">Despite this, it has been a very good first year back in the Women’s Super League. It’s also been marked by real progress off the pitch too for the football club. Key decisions are being made for player welfare and ensuring that they have access to the quality of facilities that they deserve. The team have experienced the famous Anfield atmosphere; albeit in a disappointing derby result; and the football club has also impressively led the way in their support of the fantastic Her Game Too initiative.&nbsp;Women’s football is on the rise in England ever since the bumper WSL TV deal and England’s Euro 2022 triumph and this is evident in Merseyside. Liverpool is a proud city, Liverpool FC Women are a proud club and this season of transition as they adjust to life at the top level again has certainly not seen anyone let their team down. They can play their final fixtures without pressure and look forward to another exciting year in the Women’s Super League, where they belong, once again.&nbsp;<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/kifli_tech_website_bucket/ata-football/imago1028986604h_59e085fda9/imago1028986604h_59e085fda9.jpg" alt="imago1028986604h.jpg">

Liverpool have returned to the WSL this year under the tutelage of Matt Beard. How have the Reds fared in their first year back?

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Liverpool FC’s Return to the WSL: A Year of Transition

Journalist and Photographer

AS Roma has constantly invested in their women's squad since gaining their Serie A licence from Res Roma in 2018, allowing them to excel and make their mark in one of Europe's best club football tournaments, the UEFA Women's Champions League.&nbsp;&nbsp;Roma finished fourth in their debut season in Serie A and consistently progressed in the next two seasons until they finished 2nd in the 21/22 season, gaining UEFA Women's Champions League qualification for the first time. Season 21/22 was also the first season under coach Alessandro Spugna. Since Spugna's transfer from the Italian club Empoli, the club has made massive progress in their playing style and recruitment combined with the existing squad structure. The arrival of Valentina Giacinti in the summer made a noticeable difference in the current campaign. With 13 goals and four assists in her arsenal, Giacinti's quality, combined with the quality of the rest of the team, has allowed Roma to compete not only at the domestic level but also at a European level.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>UEFA Women's Champions League debut</h2>Alessandro Spungna and his side were poised to take Europe by storm after a spectacular league campaign that saw them finish second in the standings and qualify for the UEFA Women's Champions League. Beginning in Glasgow, the debutants were eager to demonstrate that they had come to win, not merely to participate. The Giallorossi got off to a strong start with a 3-1 victory over Glasgow City. The team advanced to the second round of the Champions League after defeating Paris FC on penalties. With a 6-2 aggregate win over Sparta Praha, the Giallorossi qualified for the group stages in their debut season.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/kifli_tech_website_bucket/ata-football/imago1014040584h_44fedcf489/imago1014040584h_44fedcf489.jpg" alt="imago1014040584h.jpg"><figcaption>Paris FC vs AS Roma UEFA Women s Champions League 21/08/2022. Benedetta Glionna (18) of AS Roma presses Théa Greboval (19) of Paris Women FC during the UEFA Women s Champions League Qualifying Group match between Paris FC and AS Roma at Petershill Park, Glasgow, Scotland on 21/08/2022. IMAGO</figcaption></figure>Roma's group stage campaign got off to a rough start, with narrow victories over Slavia Praha and St Polten. Placed in the same group as German powerhouse Wolfsburg, the prevailing consensus was that Roma would have a tough group, and their shaky&nbsp;start confirmed this. However, things changed when Roma won the Supercoppa Italiana on penalties against Juventus. The victory fueled the Giallorossi's determination to go to the UEFA Women's Champions League knockout rounds. Their determination was on display on the pitch in their next match against the German giants, as the Italians held Wolfsburg to a draw at home. The Italians moved closer to the knockout stages thanks to a stunning result.&nbsp;<blockquote>"We're satisfied. A draw against Wolfsburg is a good result. This team continues to impress. The coach told us to be 'crazy' and I think we were today. We have to continue to do well – our aim is to qualify, not win the group. It was a dream of mine to score against Wolfsburg. When the ball went in I couldn't believe it." - Valentina Giacinti&nbsp;</blockquote>Wolfsburg did not take well to the draw in the rematch at AOK Stadion in Germany, scoring four goals past Camelia Ceasar. However, Andressa Alves' and Sophie Haug's goals showcased this team's determination and desire to compete with the best in Europe. Their first Champions League defeat inspired their remarkable triumphs over St Polten and Slavia Praha, with 5-0 and 3-0 wins, respectively. Roma seals its first knockout stages in the UEFA Women's Champions League. But, they were yet to face their biggest challenge.&nbsp;<blockquote>"Playing against these teams makes you grow and improve. That's what we ask of this Champions League. We want to continue playing matches of this level and increase our experience and awareness." - Alessandro Spugna&nbsp;</blockquote>The Giallorossi were drawn in the quarter-finals against FC Barcelona, the title favourites. Spugna and his team&nbsp;faced a significant challenge in their drive for success. With the Catalan club declaring that the second leg will be held at Camp Nou, Roma declared that the home game would be held at their club stadium, the Stadio Olimpico. The Giallorossi held Barcelona to a 1-0 lead in the first leg of the quarter-finals in front of a record crowd of 39,454. A new Italian women's football record and a magnificent game of football demonstrated the squad's desire, establishing them as the future emerging team in Europe.&nbsp;<blockquote>"It was a magical night. We want to thank all the people who came to the Stadio Olimpico. We are proud, for us, it is a novelty and brings great emotions. We knew that Barcelona were really strong, but as the minutes went by we gathered more and more courage in trying to play our own game." - Camelia Ceasar &nbsp;</blockquote><blockquote>"The important thing is that we really did our best. I think the fans also enjoyed it. I'm very proud of the girls, they played an extraordinary game. We suffered a lot in the first half, but it's normal because Barcelona are a fantastic team. They understand the game, they know when to accelerate and when not to. They have technique and physique, and so it was very difficult". - Alessandro Spugna&nbsp;</blockquote>The second leg of the quarter-finals was scheduled to take place at Camp Nou, making it a homecoming for ex-Blaugrana stars Vicky Losada and Andressa Alves. Losada, the ex-captain of the Catalan club, was eager to play at Camp Nou after missing out on the opportunity due to covid. The second leg of the quarter-finals finished with Barcelona winning 5-1, therefore eliminating Roma from the competition. &nbsp;Annamaria Serturini's lone goal demonstrated that this Roma squad should not be overlooked, as they looked dangerous on many occasions throughout the game. Their inaugural campaign in the UEFA Women's Champions League only serves to highlight the team's remarkable improvement and progress.<figure class="image"><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/kifli_tech_website_bucket/ata-football/imago1026948750h_13dde30a33/imago1026948750h_13dde30a33.jpg" alt="imago1026948750h.jpg"><figcaption>FC Barcelona, Barca AS Roma. UEFA Womens Champions League match, Quarter-Finals, 2nd leg. Keira Walsh of FC Barcelona and Benedetta Glionna of AS Roma during the UEFA Womens Champions League match, Quarter-Finals, 2nd leg between FC Barcelona and v AS Roma played at Spotify Camp Nou Stadium on March 29, 2023 in Barcelona, Spain. IMAGO</figcaption></figure><blockquote>"Barcelona are very good. They began the season as one of the favourites for this season. They are excellent all through their squad. Good and they can go a lot further in this tournament. That means that I'm not only very proud of how we've tested and pushed them across these two games but very proud of the road Roma have travelled to reach the quarter-finals for the first time." - Alessandro Spugna&nbsp;</blockquote><blockquote>"We missed a few chances last week and we knew precisely how Barcelona would react. They are very strong, but we have big objectives left in our season. In fact, in a couple of days, we have a massive match against Milan. It's already time to push this from our minds and concentrate on league business. Even so, we can benefit hugely from this experience in due course. It was a little strange for me playing in Camp Nou for another team, and I'm a bit disappointed because I wanted to give my best. But I felt a little muscle twinge and I had to come off. However, our team can grow from this and I'm proud of how we've done in Europe this season." - Vicky Losada&nbsp;</blockquote><h2>Domestic Dominance and Champions&nbsp;</h2>While Roma were eliminated from the Champions League, they are on track to become a regular feature. Winning their second Supercoppa Italiana and now winning the league by 8 points over second-placed Juventus even before the season concludes is a portent of what's to come for this side. With teams like AS Roma consistently investing in the development of the squad, the growth of women's football is only likely to improve by the day. Spugna is a proud coach of his team, and his statements reflect that. Roma is a passionate club that prefers a straightforward approach to the game. Spugna is not about to stop now that he has attained domestic dominance and will set his sights on European domination. AS Roma are not going to stop.<figure class="image"><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/kifli_tech_website_bucket/ata-football/imago1018220786h_00d5d5b4cd/imago1018220786h_00d5d5b4cd.jpg" alt="imago1018220786h.jpg"><figcaption>Elisa Bartoli of AS Roma holds the trophy as she celebrates with team mates at the end of the women italian supercup final between Juventus FC and AS Roma at Ennio Tardini stadium in Parma (Italy), November 5th, 2022. Photo Andrea Staccioli, IMAGO</figcaption></figure>Serie A is available to watch live and on-demand on ata football.&nbsp;

From an amazing Champions League debut season to being named Italy's champions, how did AS Roma ascend to compete with the best in Europe?


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AS Roma's rise to the top, from Champions League debut to Serie A Champions

&nbsp;It's crunch time. The UEFA Champions League semi-finals conclude 👇🏽<ul><li>La Reina Returns: Chelsea have it all to do in the imposing Nou Camp. &nbsp;</li><li>Evenly Matched:&nbsp;Both&nbsp;Wolfsburg and Arsenal will still feel confident. &nbsp;</li><li>Score Predictions: Who makes it to the final? Get yourself comfy; the world’s most famous sporting anthem is starting again.</li></ul><hr><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NoDYMeVKgUs"><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/kifli_tech_website_bucket/ata-football/Barca_Chelsea_2c66c7e44e/Barca_Chelsea_2c66c7e44e.png" alt="BarcaChelsea.png"></a><h4 style="margin-left:0px;">FC Barcelona vs Chelsea Saturday 22 April, 12:45&nbsp;p.m. ET / 17:45&nbsp;p.m. GMT &nbsp;</h4><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=suiRCBzlS1k">📺 Watch live on the&nbsp;</a><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=StRJuKYKZFo">DAZN YouTube channel</a> Chelsea have an uphill mountain to climb if they want a second shot at winning the one piece of silverware which eludes them.&nbsp; With the home side holding a slender 1-0 lead, the Blues are certainly not out the tie, and the return of&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/PernilleMHarder/status/1647677739640537090">Pernille Harder</a>&nbsp;will no doubt bolster their prospects. On the other other hand.&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/alexiaputellas/status/1647588581513256963">Alexia Putellas</a>&nbsp;finally returns to the Barcelona squad; will we see La Reina for the first time this season? ⚽️ First Leg Recap<ul><li>A disastrous start for Chelsea saw them go behind thanks to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NoDYMeVKgUs">Caroline Graham Hansen's sensational solo strike</a> after 3 minutes.&nbsp; &nbsp;</li><li>The Blues thought they had levelled through Guro Reiten; the offside flag denied them, before the Norway international saw an effort cleared off the line.&nbsp; &nbsp;</li><li>In a more subdued 2nd half, Marta Torrejon's effort off the post was the closest either side came to scoring.&nbsp;</li></ul><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/kifli_tech_website_bucket/ata-football/imago1028466859h_11c09757d6/imago1028466859h_11c09757d6.jpg" alt="imago1028466859h.jpg"><h4 style="margin-left:0px;">Key Matchup:&nbsp;</h4><h4 style="margin-left:0px;">Lauren James vs Marta Torrejon 📌 The Story</h4><ul><li>The experienced <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zA-e1bKiLCY">Marta Torrejon</a> is a highly dependable player in the Blaugrana squad.&nbsp; &nbsp;</li><li>However, she might have her hands full with Lauren James, if the English winger starts at Camp Nou. &nbsp;</li><li>Lucy Bronze's impressive 1st leg performance nullified a lot of Chelsea's attack down the wing, will Lauren James get a different result?&nbsp;</li></ul>SCORE PREDICTION: FC BARCELONA 3-1 CHELSEA<hr><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7cX1ThBWuyo"><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/kifli_tech_website_bucket/ata-football/Arsenal_Wolfsburg_03c601a062/Arsenal_Wolfsburg_03c601a062.png" alt="ArsenalWolfsburg.png"></a><h4>Arsenal&nbsp;vs VFL Wolfsburg</h4><h4>Monday 1 May , 12:45&nbsp;p.m. ET / 17:45&nbsp;p.m. GMT 📺 Watch live on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7cX1ThBWuyo">DAZN YouTube channel</a></h4>This tie promised to be interesting and it did not disappoint.&nbsp; The early 2-0 lead for Wolfsburg looked unassailable at times, but Arsenal clung in and by pulling it back level, they will view themselves as favourites in the tie.&nbsp; Wolfsburg won't be too intimidated by the large crowd at The Emirates, but they will absolutely know they have made this tie hard for themselves.&nbsp; ⚽️ First Leg Recap<ul><li>The She-Wolves looked to be cruising in the tie as first-half goals from tournament top scorer Ewa Pajor and Jonsdottir put them in control.&nbsp; &nbsp;</li><li>However, with seconds left in the first half, Rafaelle's bullet header atoned for her earlier mistake, giving Arsenal hope.&nbsp; &nbsp;</li><li>And in a frantic and frenetic second half, Victoria Pelova's inch-perfect cross was turned in by Stina Blackstenius to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7cX1ThBWuyo">give the teams parity</a>.&nbsp;</li></ul><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7cX1ThBWuyo"><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/kifli_tech_website_bucket/ata-football/imago1028541746h_def7a077f3/imago1028541746h_def7a077f3.jpg" alt="imago1028541746h.jpg"></a><h4 style="margin-left:0px;">Key Matchup:&nbsp;</h4><h4 style="margin-left:0px;">Dominique Janssen vs Stina Blackstenius 📌 The Story</h4><ul><li>Stina Blackstenius caused all sorts of problems for the usually reliable Janssen in the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7cX1ThBWuyo">first leg</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;</li><li>The <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eYAkTHhLLzk">former Gooner</a> will be desperate to atone for her 2nd half performance, which saw her consistently outsped by the energetic Swede. &nbsp;</li><li>Janssen's ability to read play is usually 2nd to none; however, her lack of pace and acceleration makes her a good target for Arsenal's fluid. pacey front 3.&nbsp;</li></ul>SCORE PREDICTION: ARSENAL 2-2 VFL WOLFSBURG (AET)WOLFSBURG WIN 5-4 ON PENALTIES.<hr>

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UWCL Semi Finals 2nd Leg - Preview Newsletter

Get yourself comfy; the world’s most famous sporting anthem is starting again.It’s UEFA Champions League Semi-Final week!<ul><li>Clash of the Champions: The <a href="https://twitter.com/SonOfChelsea/status/1523289663016161280">English</a> and Spanish title-holders square off. &nbsp;</li><li>Deja Vu?: Can the She-Wolves <a href="https://www.skysports.com/football/news/30778/12578803/wolfsburg-2-0-arsenal-agg-3-1-arsenal-bow-out-of-womens-champions-league">once again silence</a> the Gunners? &nbsp;</li><li>Score Predictions: Who takes the vital 1st leg leads?&nbsp;</li></ul><hr><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:75%;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=StRJuKYKZFo"><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/kifli_tech_website_bucket/ata-football/Wolfsburg_Arsenal_UWCL_S1_v2_616e40f452/Wolfsburg_Arsenal_UWCL_S1_v2_616e40f452.png" alt="WolfsburgArsenal_UWCL_S1_v2.png"></a></figure><h4 style="margin-left:0px;">Chelsea vs FC Barcelona</h4>Saturday 22 April 7:30 a.m. ET / 12:30 p.m. GMT 📺 Watch live on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=StRJuKYKZFo">DAZN YouTube channel</a> The tie of the round. In one of the most anticipated UWCL ties of the season, Chelsea and Barcelona once again butt heads.&nbsp; The Catalonian giants trounced Chelsea&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TngsK2l-TRc&amp;pp=ygUbY2hlbHNlYSAwLTQgYmFyY2Vsb25hIHdvbWVu">in the 2021 Final</a> to lift the trophy in Stockholm. However, the Blues will be eager for revenge on the way to lifting that final elusive piece of silverware.&nbsp; The Tie also has the added intrigue of the potential returns of&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/PernilleMHarder/status/1647677739640537090">Pernille Harder</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/alexiaputellas/status/1647588581513256963">Alexia Putellas</a>: two of the greatest players in the world. &nbsp; 🥊 How did we get here?<ul><li>Both sides topped their groups in style, claiming impressive victories over <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MrdNAo2D5Ao&amp;pp=ygUcYmFyY2Vsb25hIHdvbWVuIGJheWVybiB3b21lbg%3D%3D">Bayern Munich</a> and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EB6nH1lpdZQ&amp;pp=ygUPY2hlbHNlYSAzLTAgcHNn">Paris Saint-Germain</a>&nbsp;respectively.&nbsp; &nbsp;</li><li>Barcelona eased past AS Roma at Camp Nou after a tense 1st leg in Rome, eventually&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_J1ShL3Hzc">winning 6-1 on aggregate</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;</li><li>Chelsea meanwhile overcame holders Lyon in one of the most dramatic 2nd legs ever, triumphing on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVRlNJxakqA&amp;t=129s">penalties</a>.&nbsp;</li></ul><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/kifli_tech_website_bucket/ata-football/f998d624_de3b_11fb_e89f_4b08c431f3b7_9b98d55185/f998d624_de3b_11fb_e89f_4b08c431f3b7_9b98d55185.jpeg" alt="f998d624-de3b-11fb-e89f-4b08c431f3b7.jpeg"><h4 style="margin-left:0px;">Key Matchup</h4>Erin Cuthbert vs Aitana Bonmati 📌 The Story<ul><li>Erin Cuthbert has established himself as one of the most dynamic and energetic midfielders in the world.&nbsp; &nbsp;</li><li>She’ll have her hands full against the metronomic Aitana Bonmati, who has emerged as the key player for Barcelona in Putellas’ absence.&nbsp; &nbsp;</li><li>Both players offer <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wUaw_631Mtk">real thrust in the midfield</a> as well as offensive qualities. Bonmati has a hugely impressive 11-goal contribution already in the competition.&nbsp; &nbsp;</li><li>If either player can seize control of the midfield, their side will have a good chance of setting the tempo of the tie.&nbsp;</li></ul>SCORE PREDICTION: CHELSEA 2-2 BARCELONA<hr><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eDnrAGSjP3k"><img class="image_resized" style="width:75%;" src="https://storage.googleapis.com/kifli_tech_website_bucket/ata-football/Wolfsburg_Arsenal_UWCL_S2_v2_066cf6f631/Wolfsburg_Arsenal_UWCL_S2_v2_066cf6f631.png" alt="WolfsburgArsenal_UWCL_S2_v2.png"></a><h4>Arsenal&nbsp;vs VFL Wolfsburg</h4>Sunday 23 April 9:30 a.m. ET / 14:30 p.m. GMT 📺 Watch live on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eDnrAGSjP3k">DAZN YouTube channel</a>An intriguing tie between two sides that have arguably flattered to deceive this season. Either of them will fancy making it to Eindhoven for May’s showpiece.&nbsp; Arsenal will be seeking revenge on Wolfsburg after being dumped out the competition last year.&nbsp; Meanwhile, the Greens will be hoping that 2023 is finally the year they shake off the ‘so close yet so far’ tag of recent years.&nbsp; 🥊 How did we get here?<ul><li>Arsenal and Wolfsburg both topped their group; the former stunned Lyon in France whilst the latter comfortably strolled through the group stage.&nbsp; &nbsp;</li><li>A hugely impressive 2nd leg performance saw <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d0uQtYjswOY">Arsenal overturn Bayern Munich’s lead</a> to qualify for the Semi-Finals.&nbsp; &nbsp;</li><li>In contrast, Wolfsburg <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sn3NFn5thew">squeaked through in nervous circumstances</a> against PSG, in a pulsating 2nd leg clash.</li></ul><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eDnrAGSjP3k"><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/kifli_tech_website_bucket/ata-football/imago1026835395h_f021e67109/imago1026835395h_f021e67109.jpg" alt="imago1026835395h.jpg"></a><h4>Key Matchup</h4>Rafaelle&nbsp;Souza&nbsp;vs Jule Brand 📌 The Story<ul><li>In the absence of Alex Popp, Jule Brand will likely lead the line for Wolfsburg in London.&nbsp; &nbsp;</li><li>Although she has had <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oTIGvYquvp8&amp;pp=ygUPSlVMRSBCUkFORCBVV0NM">limited UWCL action</a> so far this season, she does possess blistering pace and a keen eye for goal.&nbsp; &nbsp;</li><li>Rafaelle de Souza has formed a formidable defensive partnership with Leah Williamson, but she will need to step up in her partner’s absence.&nbsp; &nbsp;</li><li>If Rafaelle can keep Brand quiet, Wolfsburg will lose a huge attacking outlet. However, if the German gets the better of her, it could be a long afternoon for Jonas Eidevall’s side.&nbsp;</li></ul>SCORE PREDICTION: ARSENAL 1-2 VFL WOLFSBURG<hr>

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Manchester United won crucial three points against Arsenal on Wednesday night, extending their lead at the top of the Women's Super League standings. With the title race still wide open, matchday 18 of the Barclays Women's Super League saw its two heavyweights go head to head at Leigh Sports Village in Manchester. Manchester United came into this game looking to gain a further lead in the title race, as Chelsea still has two games in hand. Meanwhile, Arsenal, amidst their injury crisis, came into the game to keep their title hopes alive.However, Leah Williamson of Arsenal went down with what seemed to be a non-contact injury barely 12 minutes into the first half. With Arsenal already without Beth Mead, Vivianne Miedema, Kim Little, and Caitlin Foord due to injury, seeing Leah Williamson falling like that was not what the team needed. Williamson went off the field with the assistance of the medics, and the game resumed with Gio Queiroz taking her place. Throughout the first half, both sides produced several opportunities but were unable to complete the final pass. Alessia Russo of Manchester United created an opening near the conclusion of the first half and, in the prolonged injury time, put the ball into the bottom corner of the goal, giving the home team the lead at the break.<figure class="image"><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/kifli_tech_website_bucket/ata-football/imago1028274961h_69010843c4/imago1028274961h_69010843c4.jpg" alt="imago1028274961h.jpg"><figcaption>Leigh, England, March 24th 2023: Leah Williamson (6 Arsenal) receives treatment during the FA Womens Super League football match between Manchester United and Arsenal at Leigh Sports Village in Leigh, England. (James Whitehead / SPP) IMAGO</figcaption></figure>Both teams enjoyed excellent spells in the second half, with Arsenal&nbsp;ready to equalise. The&nbsp;Gunners were more proactive in the second half, forcing the hosts to defend. Unfortunately, the Gunners' offensive period&nbsp;was insufficient, as they could not&nbsp;produce an equaliser. United was able to maintain their lead throughout the game by defending well.United is four points ahead of Chelsea, who has two games in hand, while Arsenal is third in the league table, tied with Manchester City on points. A crucial win and three points for Manchester United, as Arsenal may be out of contention for the title.With Leah Williamson now injured ahead of Arsenal's UEFA Women's Champions League semi-final match against Wolfsburg, things for Jonas Eidevall's side are not looking good. However, according to Eidevall's pre-match news conference statements, the squad might have Caitlin Foord back in time for the UWCL.&nbsp;&nbsp;Watch the UEFA Women's Champions League semi-finals live on ata football and DAZN's UWCL YouTube channel.

Manchester United won crucial three points against Arsenal on Wednesday night, extending their lead at the top of the Women's Super League standings. 

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Massive win for Manchester United at home; major injury worries at Arsenal.

<h2>Turbine Potsdam's downfall</h2>Turbine Potsdam, one of the few autonomous women's football clubs in Germany, was previously one of the finest teams in the league, with prominent players like Ada Hegerberg, Lia Walti, Tabea Kemme, Svenja Huth, and others playing for the club. The team has had a rough season, earning only one point in the first half of the season in a tie against SV Werder Bremen. Potsdam presently sits bottom in the league rankings with 8 points after winning their past two games.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/kifli_tech_website_bucket/ata-football/imago1026569060h_2f7d2ad656/imago1026569060h_2f7d2ad656.jpg" alt="imago1026569060h.jpg"><figcaption>Potsdam, Germany. March 26th 2023: The team celebrates a 3-1 victory over The SV Meppen team during the game Frauen-Bundesliga - 1.FFC Turbine Potsdam v SV Meppen - Karl-Liebknecht-Stadion. Potsdam, Germany. (Ryan Sleiman /SPP) IMAGO</figcaption></figure>But how did Potsdam reach this situation?The club began the season with a new head coach, Sebastian Middeke, who was fired at the end of October. Sven Weigang is his replacement, albeit the club did not bring him in as a long-term option. The absence of professional infrastructure and sports achievement has rendered the club unappealing to potential new signings and sponsors. Players had to take on responsibilities that would normally be handled by Potsdam's administration.The obstacles that Potsdam's&nbsp;working management had to meet were too much for them. The overload became notably obvious at the end of the 2012/22 season&nbsp;when more than ten players left the club. As a result, they are fielding an almost entirely new and rarely used starting eleven. In the previous campaign, forwards&nbsp;Selina Cerci and Melissa Kossler combined for 23 league goals as Turbine finished fourth, but both left the club in the summer for Koln and Hoffenheim, respectively. Furthermore, they lost their team's captain Naomi Gentile to an ACL injury.&nbsp;The management did not respond to players' requests and recommendations on how to improve the club's predicament. The squad and the club's infrastructure have been impoverished for a long time. Several sponsors have abandoned their support, and finding new ones is difficult. This is also because the club's management is acting on an honour system. Competencies are frequently unclear, resulting in chaotic and delayed internal working procedures.The club has picked up the pace by winning the last two games, a victory against Freiburg, who they lost to 5-0 at home in October and a 3-1 win against Meppen. However, it might be a bit too late to avoid relegation, as the club is set to play the upcoming fixtures against Hoffenheim, Eintracht Frankfurt and Bayern Munich in May.&nbsp;Only a miracle could save Turbine Potsdam from relegation.<h2>Meppen vs Duisburg: The deciding game in the battle of relegation?</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/kifli_tech_website_bucket/ata-football/imago1011036346h_3486fc3675/imago1011036346h_3486fc3675.jpg" alt="imago1011036346h.jpg"><figcaption>03.04.2022, Waldstadion, Meppen, GER, 2. Frauen-Bundesliga: SV Meppen vs MSV Duisburg, Sarah Schulte. IMAGO/Werner Scholz</figcaption></figure>SV Meppen and MSV Duisburg both have 13 points in the league table, but Meppen is ahead of Duisburg owing to the&nbsp;goal difference. Both clubs have lost their last four games and have a few intriguing games coming up. However, Meppen and Duisburg will meet in what might be the deciding match to determine which of the two teams is demoted.While Meppen is still in danger of relegation, Duisburg is at a significant disadvantage here. Duisburg just sacked coach Niko Schneck, and new coach Thomas Gerstner will need time to reassemble the club. Duisburg has also failed to score, and the game would be played at Meppen's home stadium. While Meppen has struggled at times this season under new coach Carin Bakhuis, the team is aiming for a win against Duisburg to keep their top-flight hopes alive.A win for either club keeps them from being relegated, but if they draw, Meppen could just make it due to their better goal difference.SV Meppen and MSV Duisburg will play each other at the Hänsch-Arena on the 7th of May.&nbsp;<h2>A Competitive Season of Frauen-Bundesliga</h2>The 2022/23 FLYERALARM Frauen-Bundesliga season was one of the most thrilling and competitive seasons in the league's history. The battle for third place between Eintracht Frankfurt and TSG Hoffenheim to qualify for the UWCL next season is still very much alive. RB Leipzig is likely to compete in the first division next season, presently topping the second division with 52 points, 15 points clear of second-placed Nurnberg. After several nightmare games, FC Koln Frauen has managed to turn their season around. Meanwhile, SGS Essen has managed to survive their season, but given the ever-changing development in women's football, the team's future seasons will be challenging.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/kifli_tech_website_bucket/ata-football/imago1027979957h_31668527c2/imago1027979957h_31668527c2.jpg" alt="imago1027979957h.jpg"><figcaption>Jule Brand (29 VfL Wolfsburg) and Sarah Zadrazil (25 FC Bayern Munich) during the DFB Pokal semifinal match between FC Bayern Munich and VfL Wolfsburg at FC Bayern Campus, Germany. (Sven Beyrich/SPP) IMAGO</figcaption></figure>The relegation fight, like the race for the league title, is still very much open, but one thing is certain: this season has been one of the most thrilling. While there are still several issues that plague the Frauen-Bundesliga, one of which is professionalization, the league is undeniably on the rise.&nbsp;FLYERALARM Frauen-Bundesliga games are available live and on-demand on ata football.

The FLYERALARM Frauen-Bundesliga title battle is tight between Bayern Munich and Wolfsburg, but the bottom of the table is worth watching. While the struggle to escape relegation between Meppen and Duisburg is still ongoing, the current standings suggest that Potsdam may have already lost the battle and will be relegated at the end of the season.

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Relegation struggles in the Frauen-Bundesliga: Potsdam at crossroads; Meppen must beat Duisburg to escape relegation.

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