From UEFA’s headquarters at Nyon, AC Milan’s fate in the League Path round 1 were sealed and the rossonere now aware of what they will face in their debut in the UEFA Women’s Champions League. However, the competition’s new format still is the reason of some confusion, thus it seemed a perfect time for a new chapter to our special guide.
AC Milan were drawn in Group 1
As we mentioned before, the 16 clubs which entered in round 1 of the league path were divided into 4 one-venue, one-legged mini-tournaments and the winners will advance to round 2. The rossonere were drawn in group 1, alongside Zürich (SUI), Valur (ISL) and Hoffenheim (GER), and will face Zürich, while Hoffenheim take on Valur. The semifinals will take place on August, 18 while the third-place play-off and the final on August, 21.
The venue of this mini tournament is to be decided among the clubs and, in case they fail to reach an agreement, UEFA is to make the call. Keep in mind that Milan has appointed San Siro as their venue for the Champions League.
It’s safe to say that Milan dodged a bullet by not being drawn into Group 4 (Arsenal, Okzhetpes, PSV Eindhoven and Lokomotiv Moskva), but the rossonere must not underestimate their adversaries because Zürich and Valur have often qualified for the Champions League and even Hoffenheim, who is also debuting this season in the competition, are a strong team.
What happens next?
In case of qualification, Milan and the other 3 mini tournaments winners will advance to League Path Round 2 and join Lyon (FRA), Wolfsburg (GER), Manchester City (ENG), Slavia Praha (CZE), Rosengård (SWE) and Real Madrid (ESP). The round 2 draw will take place on August, 22, and those 10 teams will be split into 5 two-legged knockout ties, and the winners, then, progress to the group stage.
