Bayern Host Real Madrid in Women's Champions League Matchday 3 Opener

FC Bayern and Real Madrid meet on Wednesday in the opening game of matchday 3 in the UEFA Women's Champions League, according to Bulinews. It is the first competitive match between the two clubs' women's teams, and it will be played at Bayern's new home, Uhlsport Park.

Bayern lead the Frauen-Bundesliga and have a mixed record in Europe so far. Real Madrid have not lost in the competition, but they arrive after a heavy domestic defeat to their biggest rival.

How Bayern arrive at the new stadium

Bulinews reported that Bayern, coached by Jose Barcala according to the outlet's wording, scored five goals in each of their two games after the international break, against Stuttgart and RB Leipzig. That is a strong run of form in the league.

The Champions League campaign has been less steady. Bayern let slip an early two-goal lead at home against Manchester City. They then beat Benfica after scoring three late goals.

Real Madrid's recovery and European record

Real Madrid, who sit second in Liga F, lost 7-0 in El Clásico. According to Bulinews, they bounced back with home wins over Espanyol and Tenerife.

In their first two Champions League games, Madrid drew with PSG and with Manchester City. They have not yet recorded a win in the competition this season.

An unfamiliar fixture with some history

The women's teams have never met in a competitive match. Bulinews noted that the clubs' men's sides have played several classic games against each other. Bayern also beat Real Madrid 4-1 in a pre-season friendly last year.

Team news: who is in and who is out

Bayern remain without Lena Oberdorf and Guila Gwinn, who are still on the sidelines. Jovana Damnjanović could return to the matchday squad for the first time since the win in Lisbon.

Goalkeeper Ena Mahmutović is suspended for Bayern's next Frauen-Bundesliga game after a red card in Leipzig. The suspension does not apply to this match, and Bulinews expects her to start in goal.

There are some familiar faces on the other side. Italian midfielder Arianno Caruso returns to her former club. Germany international Elisa Senß and Lineth Beerensteyn also joined Real Madrid in the summer from Frauen-Bundesliga clubs.

Predicted lineups

Bulinews expects Bayern to line up with Mahmutović in goal. The back four would be Naschenweng, Ballisager, Viggosdottir (captain) and Kett. Amani and Tanikawa would sit in midfield, with Bühl, Sehitler and Dallman ahead of them and Harder up front.

For Real Madrid, the predicted team has Frohms in goal and a back four of Cristobal, Andersson, Lakrar and Navarro. Jacinto, Senß and Caruso would form the midfield. Caicedo, Schröder and del Castillo (captain) would make up the front line.

Why it matters for followers of the competition

Matchday 3 comes after each team has played two Champions League games, and neither has built a settled record yet. Bayern have shown they can score freely at home but also lost control of a lead against Manchester City. Madrid have taken draws against two established opponents, though they have not yet won.

The game is also a first for the two clubs' women's teams. Bayern will play at their new home with a new opponent in front of them, while Madrid's recent form is split between a 7-0 loss and two straight wins. For fans who follow the men's rivalry, it offers a first look at how the clubs' women's sides compare in a competitive match.

Around Prague, based on reporting by Bulinews