Arsenal Women Drawn Against OH Leuven in Champions League Play-Offs

Arsenal Women must overcome OH Leuven in February to keep their UEFA Women’s Champions League title defence alive

Arsenal Women have been drawn against Belgian side OH Leuven in the UEFA Women’s Champions League play-offs, setting up a crucial two-legged tie in February 2026 that will decide whether the holders reach the quarter-finals.

Despite finishing the group stage strongly, the Gunners narrowly missed out on automatic qualification and must now navigate the play-offs to remain in the Arsenal Women Champions League hunt.

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Renee Slegers’s side ended the league phase in fifth place, just outside the top four that guaranteed a direct quarter-final spot. Arsenal closed the group campaign with a dominant 3-0 win over OH Leuven, with goals from Olivia Smith, Beth Mead, and an own goal from Saar Janssen.

However, results elsewhere worked against the reigning champions, forcing them into the knockout play-off round despite their strong finish.

OH Leuven, who placed 12th overall with six points from six matches, now face the daunting task of taking on one of Europe’s most experienced sides over two legs.

Champions League Play-Off Fixture Details

• First leg: Week commencing February 9, 2026 (away in Belgium)
• Second leg: Week commencing February 16, 2026 (home leg – venue TBC)

Should Arsenal progress, a mouthwatering all-English quarter-final against Chelsea awaits, adding extra significance to the play-off tie.

The Gunners showed their quality against Leuven in the group stage, with Mead and Smith central to their attacking threat. That firepower will be vital in avoiding any slip-ups.

Leuven will look to use the first leg on home soil to keep the tie alive. Their defensive structure will be heavily tested by Arsenal’s movement and tempo.

The prospect of facing Chelsea in the quarter-finals raises the stakes. Arsenal will know there is no room for error if they want to keep their European crown within reach.

What This Means for Arsenal Women

The play-offs represent a defining moment in Arsenal’s season. While missing out on automatic qualification was a setback, the holders remain one of the strongest teams left in the competition.

For OH Leuven, this tie offers a chance to make history. For Arsenal, it is about reasserting their status as European heavyweights and ensuring their Arsenal Women Champions League defence does not end prematurely. Meanwhile, February’s two legs promise high tension, high quality, and potentially a blockbuster showdown in the next round.

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