Versatile Super Falcons midfielder Christy Ucheibe experienced a difficult night as Benfica Women fell 3–1 to Barcelona Femení in their UEFA Women’s Champions League league-phase clash at the Estadi Johan Cruyff on Wednesday night.

Ucheibe, who was deployed as a center-back, played the full 90 minutes. 

The match began with the Catalan side asserting their dominance, opening the scoring in the 29th minute through Ewa Pajor. 

Benfica responded early in the second half when Chandra Davidson restored parity just two minutes after the restart, giving the Portuguese side hope.

However, Barcelona regained the lead in the 54th minute under unfortunate circumstances for Ucheibe. 

In an attempt to intercept a quick pass from Alexia Putellas to Pajor inside the box, Ucheibe inadvertently turned the ball into her own net. 

The incident proved costly, as Barcelona extended their advantage to 3–1 just five minutes later through Laia Aleixandri.

Benfica goalkeeper Lena Pauels denied Barcelona a fourth goal in the 74th minute, saving a left-footed penalty from Putellas aimed at the bottom-left corner. 

Despite Pauels’ heroics, Benfica were unable to mount a comeback and dropped further down the standings, now placed 15th overall and outside playoff qualification spots.

Ucheibe, a key figure for the Super Falcons, will be hoping to help Benfica recover in the remaining league-phase fixtures.

Wale Adejumo

Photo Credit: slbenfica.pt