The Women's Champions League returned this week with unanswered questions for Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City. All three began solidly: Arsenal and Chelsea won narrowly at home, while City recovered from 2-0 down to draw at Bayern Munich. But Barcelona and Lyon, last season's finalists, both opened with commanding victories. Are the Women's Super League clubs ready to challenge in Warsaw next May?

City showed their spirit when 2-2 against Bayern Munich. Andree Jeglertz's side recovered, with summer signings Beth Mead and Carlotta Wamser scoring their first goals. That was crucial after usual goalscorer Khadija Shaw missed a penalty. When she finds her shooting boots again, City should be fine.

Arsenal continued to misfire. Against Danish minnows HB Koge, they dominated possession but produced only two shots on target. Boss Renee Slegers rested Alessia Russo and made several changes, but eight forwards struggled to breach the visitors' defence before a 95th-minute penalty secured three points. Dismissing lower-ranked teams has been an Achilles' heel.

Chelsea showed flickers but fragility. Wieke Kaptein's brilliant goal opened the scoring, while Melvine Malard and Alyssa Thompson offered promise. Yet, without injured captain Erin Cuthbert and with Keira Walsh substituted early, they lost midfield control against Austria Vienna. Sonia Bompastor's side should have added goals, and more clinical opponents could punish them.