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This match took place on 18 February 2026.
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Watch Arsenal v Leuven Live: Alex Scott Presents with Jacqui Oatley and Fara Williams on Disney+

Football fans across the UK and Ireland can catch the thrilling second leg of the UEFA Women's Champions League knockout round playoffs as Arsenal host Oud-Heverlee Leuven (OH Leuven) tonight at 20:00 UK time, exclusively live on Disney+. Although traditional British channels like ITV, BBC, Sky Sports or TNT Sports are not broadcasting this fixture, Disney+ steps in with top-tier coverage tailored for Europe, including UK and Ireland subscribers via € or £ geo-restricted plans. The stream promises high-quality viewing with Alex Scott leading as presenter, Jacqui Oatley on main commentary duties, and Fara Williams providing expert punditry to guide viewers through what should be a comfortable night for the Gunners, who lead 4-0 on aggregate after a dominant 4-0 first-leg win.[1]

This clash at the Emirates Stadium marks the return leg of the knockout playoffs in the UEFA Women's Champions League, pitting English giants Arsenal against Belgian outfit OH Leuven. Arsenal, under manager Renee Slegers, have been in scintillating form, having already dismantled Leuven 4-0 away in the first leg on 11 February 2026, following an earlier 3-0 group stage victory on 17 December 2025.[1][2] With a massive aggregate lead, the focus will be on Arsenal securing progression while rotating squad players and giving minutes to emerging talents. Predicted line-ups see Daphne van Domselaar in goal, with a backline of Katie McCabe, Laia Codina, and Lotte Wubben-Moy, midfield anchored by Frida Maanum, Victoria Pelova, and Mariona Caldentey, and attack led by Alessia Russo, Caitlin Foord, and Chloe Kelly.[1] Subs like Leah Williamson, Kim Little, and Steph Catley add depth to a star-studded bench.

Disney+'s coverage for UK and Ireland viewers (£/€ geo-restricted) mirrors the Europe-wide feed, ensuring seamless access for subscribers. Kick-off at 20:00 UK time aligns perfectly for evening viewing, with pre-match build-up from the stellar team. Alex Scott, born in 1984, brings her wealth of experience to the presenting role. A former England international with 140 caps, Scott won bronze at the 2012 Olympics and was a key figure in the Lionesses' 2015 World Cup third-place finish. Retiring from playing in 2018 due to injury, she transitioned seamlessly into broadcasting, becoming a BBC Sport regular and fronting major events like the Women's World Cup and Euros. Her articulate style and passion for the women's game make her a fan favourite, often praised for championing equality in football media.[1] Tonight, Scott will orchestrate the studio analysis, drawing on her insider knowledge to dissect Arsenal's dominance.

On commentary, Jacqui Oatley takes centre stage, a trailblazer in women's football broadcasting. Oatley made history as the first woman to commentate a men's FA Cup match on ITV in 2007 and has since become synonymous with top-level coverage. With experience spanning BBC, Sky Sports, BT Sport (now TNT), and international feeds, her distinctive voice has narrated countless Women's Champions League ties, England internationals, and World Cups. Oatley's smooth delivery, tactical insight, and infectious enthusiasm elevate every match she calls, making her the perfect choice for this high-stakes European night. Her career highlights include leading coverage for the Lionesses' Euro 2022 triumph, cementing her status as one of Britain's premier football voices.[1]

Joining Scott in the studio is pundit Fara Williams, arguably England's greatest-ever midfielder. Capped 172 times for the Lionesses, Williams holds the record for most appearances and was instrumental in the team's 2015 World Cup bronze medal. A Liverpool and England legend, she amassed over 300 club appearances, winning multiple WSL titles and FA Cups. Post-retirement in 2019, Williams has excelled in punditry, offering razor-sharp analysis on ITV, Sky Sports, and BBC, particularly during major tournaments. Her time at Arsenal's rivals Reading and Liverpool gives her unique perspective on the Gunners' play, and fans can expect candid takes on stars like Alessia Russo, who recently chatted post-match with UEFA after scoring in the first leg.[3] Williams' blend of tactical nous and lived experience promises invaluable breakdowns of Arsenal's attacking prowess.

Arsenal enter this tie in red-hot form, unbeaten in recent Champions League outings against OH Leuven. The first leg saw a clinical 4-0 rout, building on a 3-0 group stage win where Olivia Smith and Beth Mead starred – though Mead now faces a shin hairline fracture layoff, as confirmed by Slegers.[1][2] Key threats include Russo's clinical finishing, Foord's pace on the wing, and Pelova's midfield control. Defensively solid with van Domselaar's shot-stopping and McCabe's leadership, Arsenal boast a squad blending youth like 19-year-old Holmberg with veterans like Williamson. Progression to the quarter-finals looks assured, but Slegers will demand ruthlessness to build momentum ahead of domestic WSL battles.

OH Leuven, meanwhile, face an uphill battle. The Belgian side, repeating fixtures from Matchday 6, have struggled against Arsenal's quality, conceding seven goals across two meetings without reply.[2] Midfielder F. Hermans offers some creativity with six appearances and an assist, but containing Arsenal's firepower will test them severely. This playoff represents Leuven's deepest European run, yet Arsenal's pedigree – four-time quarter-finalists and consistent challengers – underscores their superiority.[4]

Why tune into Disney+? Beyond the star-studded team, expect immersive features: live stats, player tracking, multi-angle replays, and post-match interviews akin to UEFA's Alessia Russo chat.[3] For UK viewers, the £ subscription unlocks this and more women's football, complementing Sky and TNT's WSL rights. As the women's game surges – with record crowds and investment – fixtures like this highlight its growth, especially with Arsenal's global fanbase.

Arsenal's European campaign this season has been purposeful. Group stage results included testing draws and wins, setting up this playoff dominance. Slegers' management has instilled resilience, vital with injuries like Mead's. Chloe Kelly's inclusion adds flair, her Man City pedigree translating seamlessly. Expect rotations: Taylor Hinds or Emily Fox could feature at full-back, Sophie Harwood in attack, ensuring squad freshness.

Leuven's challenge lies in pride and damage limitation. Travelling to the Emirates, they'll draw inspiration from home form but face a cauldron of support. Arsenal's home record in Europe is formidable, rarely dropping points.

Broader context elevates this match. The UEFA Women's Champions League 2025/26 format intensifies playoffs, with winners advancing to face elite like Lyon or Barcelona. Arsenal, OH Leuven's conquerors twice over, eye a deep run, buoyed by WSL leadership.

Don't miss kick-off at 20:00 on Disney+. With Scott's charisma, Oatley's narration, and Williams' wisdom, coverage matches the on-pitch quality. Arsenal should cruise through, but football's magic lies in the unexpected – tune in to witness history unfold in the Women's Champions League.

Article generated: 18 February 2026, 19:58 GMT

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