The 2021-22 UEFA Women's Champions League has already proven one of the most memorable editions yet as we approach the start of the quarterfinals on March 22. The implementation of a group stage for the first time highlighted the increasing competitiveness across Europe as Chelsea, last season's runner-up, was shockingly bounced and Arsenal was pushed to the brink.
There's a lot to look forward to in the knockout rounds, including a historic Clásico between competition favorite Barcelona and rival Real Madrid with the second leg staged at an already sold out Camp Nou.
You'd expect Barça to win that tie and advance to play the winner of Arsenal vs. Wolfsburg. On the other side of the bracket, we're looking at a collision course between French giants Lyon (vs. Juventus in the quarters) and PSG (vs. Bayern Munich).
USWNT fans will also be paying close attention as Catarina Macario, Lindsey Horan (both Lyon) and Tobin Heath (Arsenal) vie for the game's top prize.
On Tuesday, UEFA unveiled the match ball that will be used throughout the knockout stages (a common practice in the men's game but a first for the women's).
With the final set to take place at Juventus Stadium in the shadow of the Alps, the ball takes its inspiration from the mountainous Piedmont region. I want to see mountains again, mountains!
