Chelsea FC Women will begin our Champions League campaign against Benfica after being paired with the Portuguese side in the last 32 draw today in Nyon.

The first leg of the tie takes place away from home on 9/10 December, with the return match to be played a week later, on 15/16 December.

Benfica, who are debutants in the European competition, booked their place in the last 32 after beating PAOK 3-1 and Anderlecht 2-1 in the qualifying rounds.

The side are based in Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, and rank 31st out of the 32 teams taking part.

Emma Hayes’ squad are taking part in their fifth European competition and the goal this season is to surpass our previous run, which ended at the semi-final stage at the hands of holders Lyon.

This season’s final takes place at the Gamla Ullevi in Gothenburg, Sweden, on Sunday 16 May.