The Matchday 13 deadline for UEFA Women’s Champions League Fantasy season is almost here.
In this article, our expert @Schurrle_FWSL reveals his team selection for the final round of the campaign.
After 12 Matchdays and 74 games, we’ve finally reached the UEFA Women’s Champions League final, as well as the final matchday of the inaugural UWCL Fantasy season.
Matchday 12 was another high-scoring round and, thanks to strong performances from both Lyon and Barcelona, my 81 points were enough to hold onto 8th place in the world.
Heading into the final, here’s how my squad is shaping up and the moves I’m currently considering.
TEAM REVEAL
GOALKEEPERS
A change in goal looks likely this week. With five transfers available and only a few obvious moves to make, switching from Christiane Endler to Cata Coll feels ideal. It also helps maximise my Barcelona coverage.
I wouldn’t be surprised to see both teams score on Saturday. However, Barcelona are favourites, so I’d rather back their defence.
DEFENDERS
With so much attacking quality on show, I’m currently starting just three defenders.
My only Lyon defender will be Wendie Renard. She’s set to play in her 12th Champions League final and could extend her record of eight UWCL winners’ medals.
Renard reminded everyone of her quality in the semi-final second leg. She scored a penalty and also registered seven ball recoveries. Even with Barcelona favoured, leaving out a penalty-taking defender feels far too risky.
Alongside her, I’m sticking with my Barcelona double-up of Irene Paredes and Ona Batlle. Both have offered attacking threat throughout the campaign. They’ve also posted respectable ball recovery numbers.
Once my transfers are complete, Selma Bacha will likely move to the bench. The left-back has been excellent all season, so it’s not an easy decision. However, I currently think Jule Brand just edges her out as my preferred third Lyon asset.
There’s definitely an argument for adding another Barcelona defender. The problem is that it would likely mean dropping one of their attackers, which I’m reluctant to do.
MIDFIELDERS
With 21 more points than any other player in the final, Alexia Putellas looks like the obvious captaincy choice.
If I were chasing rank, I’d probably take a risk elsewhere. However, the upside of backing Putellas feels too strong to ignore. She’s also delivered double-digit returns in three of her four knockout matches.
At the moment, Esmee Brugts is expected to keep her place alongside her. Despite being listed as a midfielder while often playing at left-back, she’s still the second-highest scoring fantasy asset among the finalists.
Brugts heads into the final with either a goal or assist in eight of her last ten starts for club and country. That makes her very difficult to drop.
As mentioned earlier, Jule Brand will likely be my Lyon midfielder. The German international impressed again in Matchday 12. She assisted Lyon’s second goal before scoring the winner herself.
It’s a close call between Brand and Bacha for that final starting spot. However, nine goals in her last five starts give Brand the edge.
Provided she starts, Aitana Bonmatí will also come into my midfield. She returned from injury in Matchday 12. Bonmatí scored and won Player of the Match against Lyon in the 2024 final. If I wanted a differential captain, she’d probably be the player I’d choose.
FORWARDS
The biggest question mark in my squad is Caroline Graham Hansen. The Norwegian remains a doubt for Saturday after missing recent matches with a thigh injury.
If she starts, I’ll most likely keep her. Playing a final in her home country could provide extra motivation. However, if she misses out, I’ll probably move to Salma Paralluelo instead. She won Player of the Match in the second leg against Bayern.
There’s also extra motivation for Ewa Pajor. She’s aiming to win her first Champions League title at the sixth attempt. She could also move ahead of Alessia Russo in the race for the Golden Boot. Pajor has been excellent throughout the tournament and is an easy hold for me.
The same applies to Melchie Dumornay. She’s been one of the main reasons Lyon have reached another final. If Lyon upset the odds, Dumornay will likely play a huge role.
Finally, thank you to everybody who has followed and read my UWCL team reveals this season. The support and feedback have been brilliant throughout.
It’s been a really enjoyable first UWCL Fantasy campaign to cover. Hopefully, I’ll see plenty of you back again next season. Best of luck for Matchday 13, everyone!
