Putellas Leads Barcelona to Crucial 3-1 Victory Over Benfica
Key Takeaways
- Barcelona secured a vital 3-1 victory to climb the standings
- Alexia Putellas orchestrated the win with goal and assist performance
- Christy Ucheibe's own goal proved decisive after halftime equalizer
- Barcelona dominated with 72.6% possession and 15 shots on target
Barcelona climbed to 18th place in the UEFA Women's Champions League standings after securing a crucial 3-1 victory over Benfica at the Estadi Johan Cruyff. The Catalan giants moved to seven points from five matches, pulling further clear of 30th-placed Benfica, who remain on three points and face an uphill battle to progress from the group stage.
The match exploded into life when Ewa Pajor broke the deadlock in the 29th minute, rifling home from the right side of the box after brilliant build-up play from Alexia Putellas. The Polish striker's clinical finish sent the home crowd into raptures and rewarded Barcelona's early dominance. However, Benfica stunned the hosts just after halftime when Chandra Davidson prodded home from very close range in the 46th minute, with Anna Gasper providing the crucial assist to level the contest.
Barcelona's response proved swift and decisive. An unfortunate own goal from Christy Ucheibe in the 54th minute restored the home side's advantage, before captain Putellas sealed the victory four minutes later. The Ballon d'Or winner demonstrated her predatory instincts, converting from very close range after Laia Aleixandri's initial effort was blocked following a corner kick.
The tactical battle saw Barcelona assert complete control through midfield, with Putellas and Vicky López dictating the tempo throughout. Caroline Graham Hansen tormented Benfica's defense down the right flank, while Mapi León's distribution from deep carved open numerous opportunities. Benfica goalkeeper Lena Pauels emerged as her side's standout performer, making several crucial saves including a penalty stop from Putellas in the 74th minute.
Barcelona's statistical dominance told the story of their superiority, controlling 72.6% of possession while registering 15 shots compared to Benfica's two. The hosts peppered the Benfica goal with 40 total attempts, forcing 15 corners as they relentlessly pressed for goals. Despite their overwhelming advantage, Barcelona's wastefulness in front of goal nearly cost them when Davidson's equalizer briefly silenced the home support.
The turning point arrived in the 71st minute when VAR awarded Barcelona a penalty for handball against Davidson. Though Pauels heroically saved Putellas' spot-kick, the psychological blow seemed to deflate Benfica's resistance. The visitors managed just seven total shots and struggled to create meaningful chances during a nervy final 20 minutes.
Barcelona travel to face FC Badalona on December 13th, needing maximum points to secure their Champions League progression. Meanwhile, Benfica host Paris Saint-Germain on December 17th in what has become a must-win fixture for their European survival hopes.