Up first in our series profiling Chelsea’s three group stage UEFA Women’s Champions League opponents are a familiar rival, Real Madrid.

The Blues begin their European campaign on Tuesday 8 October at Stamford Bridge against Real Madrid, who we have faced in the last two seasons of the competition, before we conclude the group stage in the Spanish capital on December 17.

Here is everything you need to know about Las Blancas before our double-header.

Factfile

Full name: Real Madrid Club de Futbol Femenino
Country: Spain
City: Madrid
Formation: 2020
Head coach: Alberto Toril

2023/24 league finish: 2nd
Stadium: Alfredo Di Stefano
Colours: White
Nickname: Las Blancas

European record

Real Madrid’s best outing in the UWCL came during their debut appearance on the European stage. In 2021/22, they came through qualifying and went on to reach the quarter-finals where they lost 8-3 on aggregate to rivals Barcelona.

In the two seasons that followed, Madrid have been drawn in the same group as Chelsea. They failed to reach the knockouts in both campaigns, finishing third in the group in 2022/23 and fourth last term.

The results of the last four meetings in those two seasons have been two draws – 1-1 and 2-2 – and two wins – 2-0 and 2-1 – for the Blues.

2024/25 so far...

Real Madrid are currently unbeaten in Liga F this season, with four wins from four. They reached this season's Champions League group stages after beating Sporting CP 2-1 and 3-1 in their two-leg round two qualifying contest.

Squad

A familiar face could return to the Bridge when the two sides meet. Melanie Leupolz could be back in SW6 wearing the famous white of Madrid instead of Chelsea blue.

The former Germany international joined the Spanish club this summer after four successful seasons in London, which saw the midfielder play her part in nine domestic triumphs, including four Women’s Super League titles.

Real Madrid have one British player in their ranks, with Scotland’s Caroline Weir set to line-up opposite her national team teammate Erin Cuthbert.

Ticketing information

Tickets are now on sale to Kingsmeadow season ticket holders. There will be further categories released in the coming days and you can find out more here.