Crystal Palace were promoted to replace Bristol City in the top flight, while on a wider note, the league is now under the management and operation of a new organisation set up to lead women's football towards further growth and progression, with Nikki Doucet overseeing both the WSL and Championship in a new phase for the game.

Reaction as Manchester City beat holders Barcelona in the Women's Champions League after Arsenal lose to Bayern Munich.

One English team who have been consistently strong in Europe, though unable to win the Champions League, is Chelsea. They have reached at least the semi-final stage in five of the past seven years. On the last two of those occasions they lost against Barcelona, and they also lost to the Catalans in the 2021 final.

Title holder Barcelona was beaten 2-0 by Manchester City to start the Women’s Champions League with a rare loss in the group stage.

Goals from Naomi Layzell and Khadija Shaw saw the Cityzens storm home to victory over defending Champions League victors Barcelona at Joie Stadium.

City ran out winners on Wednesday thanks to goals from Champions League debutant Naomi Layzell and Khadija Shaw at Joie Stadium

Roma opens its women’s Champions League campaign with an upset 1-0 win against two-time champion Wolfsburg while record eight-time winner Lyon eases past tournament debutant Galatasaray 3-0 and Chelsea holds on to beat Real Madrid 3-2.