Chasing a new UEFA Women's Champions League group stage campaign. That is the objective for Real Madrid CF, who look to protect their 2-0 first-leg win against Ajax and secure qualification for Europe's premier club competition. Real Madrid can boast of having successfully navigated the qualifying rounds in every campaign since the group stage format was introduced in the 2021/2022 season. Furthermore, Pau Quesada's side reached the quarter-finals last term, where they ultimately bowed out against FC Barcelona. Crucially, the Valencian coach will be without academy graduates Laia López, Noemí Bejarano, Silvia Cristóbal, Irune Dorado, and Pau Comendador for the match, as they are away on international duty preparing for the U20 World Cup. Sara Holmgaard, Sara Däbritz, Signe Bruun, and Athenea del Castillo will also miss out through injury.

Los Blancos head into the clash after a 3-2 victory over Atlético de Madrid in the Madrid derby—a match in which Felicia Schröder bagged a brace. The Swedish forward has hit the ground running in the capital, already netting three goals in her first two appearances. Meanwhile, Ajax come into the fixture following a week's rest, although they have won both of their opening Eredivise matches by narrow margins: against Utrecht (0-1) and PEC Zwolle (1-0). In addition, the visitors overcame Brondby (2-0) and Rangers (2-1) in the previous Champions League round. The showdown pits the Spanish side—ranked 7th in the FIFA rankings—against the Dutch outfit, who sit 21st. Another Spanish team, FC Barcelona, have qualified automatically and are already waiting in the league phase. The draw will take place on Friday, where the matchups for all eighteen qualified teams will be revealed.  

August 21, 2026