Quick Read
- Manchester United Women defeated PSV Eindhoven 4-0 in the Champions League qualifiers.
- Elisabeth Terland scored a hat-trick, with Ella Toone pivotal in three goals.
- Adidas unveiled 2025-26 UEFA Champions League match balls inspired by celestial themes.
- Champions League qualifiers concluded with dramatic matches, including Benfica vs. Fenerbahce.
Manchester United Women delivered a commanding performance against PSV Eindhoven on August 27, 2025, securing a 4-0 victory in the UEFA Women’s Champions League second qualifying round. This resounding win not only showcased the team’s growing dominance but also set the stage for their next challenge in the mini-group final. Meanwhile, Adidas unveiled their 2025-26 Champions League match balls, drawing inspiration from celestial themes and designed to captivate fans and players alike.
Manchester United Women Dominate PSV Eindhoven
In Sweden, Manchester United Women left no room for doubt about their ambitions in the Champions League. Elisabeth Terland’s stellar hat-trick and a goal from Celin Bizet Donnum sealed the deal against a PSV side that had finished second in the Dutch league last season. The match was attended by an estimated 100 traveling fans, who witnessed a masterclass in teamwork and individual brilliance.
New signing Julia Zigiotti Olme impressed with her dynamic play, while Ella Toone, fresh off her Euro 2025 victory with England, played a pivotal role in three of United’s goals. Toone’s defense-splitting pass to Terland for her third goal was a standout moment, highlighting her vision and skill. According to BBC Sport, this win propels Manchester United into the final of their mini-group, where they will face either Hammarby or Metalist Kharkiv on Saturday.
The stakes are high for United, as a win in the final would move them into a two-legged third qualifying-round tie in September. However, a loss could see them relegated to the Europa Cup’s second qualifying round in October. Despite the complexities of UEFA’s qualification system, Manchester United’s performance has given fans hope that the team can advance beyond the second qualifying round for the first time in their history.
Adidas Unveils Stunning 2025-26 Match Balls
On the same day, Adidas revealed their latest match balls for the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League and Women’s Champions League. These designs are nothing short of artistic masterpieces, drawing inspiration from the skies over Budapest and Oslo, the host cities for this season’s finals.
The men’s tournament ball features a celestial theme, with blue stars outlined in gold and hand-drawn zodiac signs symbolizing heroism and destiny. For the Women’s Champions League, Adidas has crafted a ball inspired by the northern lights, combining dark purple and neon green hues with a gradient effect to mimic the solar movements of the aurora borealis. According to House of Heat, these match balls are currently available for purchase at $170 each, offering fans a tangible connection to the magic of European football.
Champions League Qualification Drama Unfolds
While Manchester United Women celebrated their victory, the broader Champions League qualifiers also delivered high-stakes drama. Eight teams competed for the final four spots in the group stage, with notable matches including Benfica’s clash with Fenerbahce and Rangers’ face-off against Club Brugge.
Benfica, managed by Jose Mourinho, entered their second-leg match against Fenerbahce as favorites after a scoreless draw in Istanbul. Mourinho, returning to the club where his managerial career began 25 years ago, acknowledged Benfica’s strength but remained optimistic about his team’s chances. According to CBS Sports, Mourinho stated, “My goal is to win. This is where it all began, and I’ve never lost here.”
The qualifiers also saw first-time participants like Norway’s Bodo/Glimt and Kazakhstan’s Kairat making history. Kairat’s dramatic penalty shootout victory over Celtic marked a significant milestone, as they became only the second Kazakh team to reach the Champions League group stage.
Looking Ahead to the Group Stage Draw
With the qualification rounds concluding, all eyes now turn to the Champions League group stage draw scheduled for August 28 in Monaco. Teams like Manchester United Women and other qualifiers will await their fate, eager to see how their European campaigns will unfold. The draw promises to set the stage for another thrilling season of football, as clubs from across the continent compete for one of the most coveted trophies in sports.
The Champions League continues to be a platform for both established powerhouses and rising stars, offering moments of brilliance and drama that captivate fans worldwide.