Super Falcons midfielder Christy Ucheibe had a challenging evening as Benfica Women lost 3–1 to Barcelona Femení in their UEFA Women’s Champions League group-stage match at the Estadi Johan Cruyff on Wednesday.
Barcelona opened the scoring on 29 minutes through Ewa Pajor. Benfica responded after the interval, with Chandra Davidson equalising just two minutes into the second half.
The match turned in the 54th minute when Ucheibe, playing as an emergency centre-back, inadvertently turned the ball into her own net following a combination between Alexia Putellas and Pajor. Laia Aleixandri added a third five minutes later.
Christy Ucheibe. Photo Credit: Nova
Putellas missed a penalty later, with Benfica goalkeeper Lena Pauels saving her low left-footed effort. Barcelona remain top of the group, while Benfica slip out of the playoff positions.
In London, Rinsola Babajide endured a difficult night as AS Roma were beaten 6–0 by Chelsea. Babajide started the match and featured for 63 minutes at that point, Chelsea had already taken a 4–0 lead, with Maika Hamano and Lucy Bronze adding late goals to complete the victory.
Babajide rinsola. Photo Credit: Imago
In Belgium, Raphael Onyedika played 74 minutes as Club Brugge fell 3–0 at home to Arsenal. Onyedika recorded a key pass before being replaced by Hugo Vetlesen.
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Arsenal’s goals came from a brace by Noni Madueke and a finish from Gabriel Martinelli.
Onyedika. Photo Credit: Getty Images
There was a bright spot for Brugge as Kaye Furo, son of former Super Eagles defender Iyenemi Furo, made his Champions League debut in the 67th minute and forced a save from David Raya. The 18-year-old has already scored in the Belgian league this season and continues to draw attention for his rapid progress.
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In Germany, Nathan Tella came off the bench for Bayer Leverkusen as the team earned a 2–2 draw against Newcastle United. Tella entered in the 71st minute, shortly before Lewis Miley put Newcastle ahead. An 88th-minute strike from Álex Grimaldo secured a point for Leverkusen.
