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The Americans to watch in this week's Women's Champions League quarterfinals

The UEFA Women's Champions League resumes Tuesday with the quarterfinal first legs, and don't forget that all the action is available to watch for free through the DAZN UWCL YouTube channel.

Action begins Tuesday with Bayern Munich hosting Arsenal at Allianz Arena (1:45 p.m. ET) and continues at the Stadio Olimpico as Roma takes on Barcelona (4:00 p.m. ET). Wednesday features Lyon vs. Chelsea at Groupama Stadium (1:45 p.m. ET) followed by PSG against Wolfsburg at the Parc des Princes (4:00 p.m. ET).

With a focus on Americans abroad, here's what to watch out for in the quarterfinals.

Americans in Women's Champions League QFs 

Lyon vs. Chelsea

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The biggest clash of the elite eight is certainly Chelsea, the current WSL leaders, against defending European champions Lyon.

The Blues are desperately seeking their first title (they finished runners-up in 2020-21), while Lyon is going after number nine. The key to Chelsea's success is striker Sam Kerr, who's got 23 goals in 25 appearances across all competitions, including five during the UWCL group stage. Guro Reiten is the joint-top provider in the UWCL with five assists. 

Lyon's leading scorer across all competitions is actually USWNT midfielder Lindsey Horan, who's scored eight in 22 games, including two in the UWCL. Horan joined Lyon on loan from the Portland Thorns last January and started last year's final triumph over Barcelona, as did fellow USWNT star Catarina Macario.

Macario, however, suffered an ACL tear in Lyon's final league match of the 2021-22 season and hasn't returned to action yet. The 23-year-old is reportedly close to featuring again and is still targeting a place on the USWNT's World Cup roster.

PSG vs. Wolfsburg

Wolfsburg are the current Frauen-Bundesliga leaders, holding a two-point advantage over Bayern Munich, and are serious contenders for a first UWCL triumph since the 2013-14 campaign. The She-Wolves are led by Alexandra Popp (leading scorer in the Bundesliga) and Ewa Pajor (leading UWCL scorer with seven goals).

PSG's leading scorer is Kadidiatou Diani with 25 goals across all competitions, but from an American perspective it's been exciting to watch Korbin Albert earn minutes in Paris.

The 19-year-old hasn't yet received her first call-up for the USWNT (she did feature at last summer's U-20 World Cup), but after joining PSG at the end of January, Albert's made a couple appearances in Division 1 Féminine and played the full 90 of her side's 1-0 Coupe de France semifinal win over Thonon Évian on Saturday.

Albert could certainly make her UWCL debut Wednesday as an impact player off the bench.

Arsenal vs. Bayern Munich

Arsenal's flying right now after winning the League Cup with a commanding 3-1 victory over Chelsea, but Bayern are also still fighting for trophies on three fronts with Georgia Stanway and Lea Schüller leading the charge.

There's also an American in this tie: Arsenal backup goalkeeper Kaylan Marckese. Austria international Manuela Zinsberger is the undisputed starter, but Marckese — who played her college ball with the Florida Gators — did make an appearance in the group stage and recorded three saves during the Gunners' 3-1 victory over Zürich. 

Roma vs. Barcelona

There are no Americans in this tie, but if you're rooting for a massive upset (Roma) or want to see the beautiful game in its highest form (Barça), then this is the fixture for you. Unfortunately, Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas is still recovering from her ACL injury but a possible return date has been set for the semifinals. 

The quarterfinal second legs will be played next week (Mar. 29-30).

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