Women's Champions League: Arsenal vs Leuven. Prediction, H2H and probable lineups — February 18, 2026
Arsenal Women
Oud-Heverlee Leuven
On Wednesday, February 18, the Women's Champions League returns to Meadow Park. London Arsenal will host Belgian side Leuven in the second leg of their playoff tie. After the first match, there's little intrigue left, but British fans are still expecting another dazzling performance from their girls.
Match preview
Arsenal, under the guidance of Rene Slegers, are currently in phenomenal form. Just recently, at the beginning of February, the Gunners made history by winning the inaugural Women's Club World Cup, defeating Brazilian side Corinthians in the final. In the Champions League, the London club is also in complete control: the first match against Leuven in Belgium ended in a resounding 4-0 victory. Arsenal are dominating everywhere, showcasing incredible squad depth and attacking flair. For them, this match is more about consolidating their success and perhaps giving playing time to those who start less frequently.
Leuven (OHL Women) have been the biggest sensation in Belgian football in recent years, but at the elite Champions League level, the challenge is objectively tough. The defeat in the first leg exposed a huge gulf in class and pace. Nevertheless, Jimmy Coenraets' squad tries to play open football, refusing to park the bus in front of their own goal. Last Saturday, they picked up a win in the Belgian league, which lifted morale a bit, but the trip to London looks like a story about gaining experience and prestige. The main goal for the Belgians is to play with dignity and try to score at least once at this legendary ground.
Tactically, Arsenal will control possession throughout. Given the congested schedule, Slegers may rotate the squad, but even the Gunners' second string is a cut above the visitors' best XI. Leuven will most likely opt for a five-at-the-back formation, aiming to block the penalty area as much as possible and hoping to catch Arsenal on the break with rare counterattacks.
Probable lineups
Arsenal: van Domselaar, Fox, Williamson, Wubben-Moy, Catley, Little, Cooney-Cross, Maanum, Mead, Smith, Russo
OH Leuven: Seynhaeve, Janssen, Mertens, Veefkind, Cranshoff, Bosteels, Detruyer, Ampoorter, Eurlings, Janssens, Pusztai
Match facts and head-to-head
- In two meetings between these teams, Arsenal won convincingly both times: 3-0 and 4-0
- Arsenal have won five matches in a row with an aggregate score of 16-2
- Leuven have won eight of their last ten matches, with both defeats coming against Arsenal
Prediction
Arsenal are expected to secure another confident win in the second leg and progress to the next round of the Champions League. My prediction: first-half total over 1.5 goals at 1.72
