Real Madrid vs Paris FC on Disney+ with Emma Jones and Lianne Sanderson: Women's Champions League Playoff Second Leg

Match date: 18 February 2026

Real Madrid vs Paris FC on Disney+ with Emma Jones and Lianne Sanderson: Women's Champions League Playoff Second Leg

Disney+ will broadcast Real Madrid's crucial Women's Champions League playoff second leg against Paris FC this evening, with presenter Shebahn Aherne, commentator Emma Jones, and pundit Lianne Sanderson leading the coverage for UK and Ireland viewers. The match kicks off at 17:45 GMT (18:45 CET) from the Estadio Alfredo Di Stéfano in Madrid, with Real Madrid holding a slender one-goal advantage from the first leg. For European viewers, Disney+ Europe will feature the same presenting team, ensuring comprehensive coverage across the continent as two of women's football's emerging forces battle for a quarter-final berth.

Emma Jones brings considerable expertise to the microphone this evening. The experienced commentator has established herself as one of the most respected voices in women's football commentary, known for her incisive analysis and ability to capture the intensity of high-stakes European competition. Her commentary style combines technical understanding with engaging storytelling, making her the ideal choice for a match of this magnitude. Lianne Sanderson, the former Arsenal forward and England international, will provide expert punditry from the studio. Sanderson's distinguished playing career, which saw her score 34 goals for the Lionesses and play a pivotal role in Arsenal's dominance during the 2000s, gives her an authoritative perspective on the tactical nuances and individual performances that will determine this tie. Her transition to punditry has been seamless, with viewers appreciating her ability to break down complex defensive strategies and highlight the clinical finishing required at this level. Shebahn Aherne will present proceedings, guiding viewers through the build-up and match action with the professionalism Disney+ audiences have come to expect from their major sporting events.

Real Madrid come into this second leg in commanding position after a thrilling 3-2 victory in Paris last week. Under the stewardship of manager Pau Quesada, the Spanish club has demonstrated the attacking prowess and mental resilience required to succeed in European competition. The fact that Madrid scored three goals away from home—coming from behind after Paris FC took the lead—suggests a team brimming with confidence and tactical flexibility. Quesada's squad selection for this evening shows attacking intent, with players like Linda Caicedo, Athenea del Castillo, and Naomie Feller all included in the starting eleven. The return of goalkeeper Merle Frohms and defender Antonia Silva from long-term injuries provides further depth to Madrid's resources, though Signe Bruun remains unavailable.

The fixture represents a significant opportunity for Real Madrid to progress to the quarter-finals, where they would face arch-rivals Barcelona. However, Paris FC present a stern test, and their manager Sandrine Soubeyrand will be acutely aware that her team's European pedigree is under scrutiny. Currently fourth in the French league with eight wins, three draws, and four losses, Paris FC has not reached the Women's Champions League quarter-finals in thirteen years. This represents both a motivation and a source of pressure for the Parisian club, who demonstrated genuine quality in their opening leg performance. The fact that they came from a position of trailing to score late goals, with Maëline Mendy finding the net in the 89th minute, illustrates their capacity to perform under pressure. Should Paris FC score first this evening, the tie would effectively restart, and momentum could swing in their favour.

Real Madrid's midfield will be crucial to controlling this encounter. Caroline Weir, who has contributed five goals in seven matches this season, will be tasked with dictating play from the middle of the pitch, whilst Sara Däbritz provides the defensive stability required to protect the backline. In defence, María Méndez and Maëlle Lakrar form a formidable centre-back partnership, whilst Eva Navarro brings pace and technical ability to the right-back role. These are players with significant European experience, and their composure will be tested by a Paris FC side desperate to remain in the competition.

The tactical battle between Quesada and Soubeyrand promises to be fascinating. Paris FC, needing a goal, may be tempted to adopt a more aggressive approach, potentially leaving space in wider areas that Real Madrid's wide players can exploit. Conversely, Madrid may be content to control possession and play on the counter-attack, utilising the pace of Athenea and Feller to punish any defensive lapses. Both managers understand that this is a one-off opportunity; knockout football at this stage of the Women's Champions League permits no room for error, and the margin between progression and elimination is often determined by inches and moments of individual brilliance.

For Disney+ subscribers across the UK and Europe, this evening's coverage represents premium women's football broadcasting. The platform has invested significantly in Women's Champions League rights, recognising the growing appetite for elite female football content. Emma Jones' commentary will ensure that technical nuance is never lost, whilst Lianne Sanderson's punditry will provide context that only someone with her level of playing experience can offer. Shebahn Aherne will orchestrate proceedings with the gravitas such a match deserves.

The implications of this tie extend beyond the immediate contest. A Real Madrid victory would represent a significant statement of intent from the Spanish club, confirming their emergence as genuine contenders in European football. For Paris FC, progression would represent a remarkable achievement given their recent European history and would provide the platform for a memorable run. However, the momentum from their first-leg performance suggests that Real Madrid remain favourites. Analysts predict another high-scoring encounter, with Madrid expected to win and over 2.5 goals likely to feature in the final scoreline.

The world feed, presented by commentator Gary Taphouse, will provide alternative commentary for international audiences unable to access the Disney+ Europe and UK and Ireland feeds. Taphouse brings his own distinctive style to proceedings, ensuring that viewers across the globe can engage with the action. However, for British audiences, the combination of Emma Jones' articulate and authoritative commentary alongside Lianne Sanderson's expert analysis represents a compelling proposition for this crucial Women's Champions League playoff tie.

Kick-off at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stéfano this evening promises drama, intensity, and the kind of high-quality football that has come to characterise the modern Women's Champions League. Real Madrid will seek to consolidate their advantage and make the short journey to the quarter-finals, whilst Paris FC will fight to prove that their thirteen-year absence from the last eight was merely an anomaly. For viewers on Disney+, the coverage will ensure that every moment of this compelling fixture is captured and contextualised with the professionalism this competition demands.

Article generated: 18 February 2026, 17:42 GMT