Super Falcons defender, Christy Ucheibe and Benfica Women endured a disappointing start to their UEFA Women’s Champions League campaign, falling 2-1 to Juventus Women at the Allianz Stadium on Tuesday night.
Benfica made the perfect start to the match, taking the lead in the 6th minute through Lucia Alves, who finished clinically from Nycole Raysla’s cross, becoming the first scorer of the revamped UWCL league phase.
Juventus, however, quickly responded with pressure, creating several clear chances through Cristiana Girelli, Amalie Vangsgaard, and Barbara Bonansea, before finally drawing level midway through the first half.
Salvai Celebrates UWCL Anniversary with Brace
Juventus equalised in the 22nd minute when Bonansea dribbled past two defenders and delivered a perfect cross for Cecilia Salvai, who headed past Lena Pauels for her first-ever Champions League goal, exactly ten years after her debut in the competition with Verona.
Juventus had another goal ruled out by VAR for offside before halftime, while Benfica also came close through a rare chance from Christy Ucheibe.
The decisive moment arrived in the 86th minute. Salvai found herself in the box following a flicked corner from Eva Schatzer, stretching to volley home the winner and complete her brace.
👉 It was a special night for Salvai, who marked the 10th anniversary of her UWCL debut with two goals, sealing three points for Massimiliano Canzi’s side.
Elsewhere in the UWCL
Spanish champions Barcelona began their campaign in dominant fashion, thrashing Bayern Munich 7–1 at the Estadi Johan Cruyff.
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Alexia Putellas opened the scoring early with a brilliant curling effort.
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Ewa Pajor and Clàudia Pina both scored twice, while Esmee Brugts and Salma Paralluelo were also on target.
Elsewhere, Belgian side OH Leuven came from two goals down to earn a 2-2 draw at Paris FC, thanks to second-half strikes from Kim Everaerts and Sara Pusztai.
What’s Next for Benfica
Christy Ucheibe and Benfica will look to bounce back in their next UWCL fixture as they continue their quest to progress beyond the new 18-team league phase, which concludes in December.
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Teams placed 1st–4th advance directly to the quarter-finals.
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Teams placed 5th–12th enter the knockout play-off round.
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The bottom six are eliminated.
