Super Falcons midfielder Christy Ucheibe was unfortunate to score an own goal as Barcelona Femení secured a 3–1 home victory over Benfica Women in their UEFA Women’s Champions League group-stage match on Wednesday night.
Barcelona took an early lead through Ewa Pajor’s goal in the 29th minute, but the Portuguese visitors responded quickly after half-time, with Chandra Davidson equalising for Benfica. Shortly after, an own goal by Ucheibe in the 54th minute restored Barcelona’s advantage, before Laia Aleixandri added the third goal in the 58th minute to secure the win.
Despite Benfica’s efforts and a strong showing from their goalkeeper, Barcelona remained unbeaten in the group and sit well placed to advance as the league phase nears its conclusion. Benfica are still searching for their first win of the campaign.
Editorial
There are nights when fate appears in the margins of fine margins a slight deflection here, a misstep there and in the theatre of European football those slender distances often decide more than a match they shape momentum.
For Christy Ucheibe, the own goal in Barcelona’s 3–1 win over Benfica was one such instance. It was not a lapse of desire nor a moment lacking commitment, but a cruel twist in a game where Barcelona’s quality and relentless pressure ultimately told. The Nigerian midfielder had been tasked with holding the defensive line against an expansive and probing Blaugrana side that she was involved directly in the goal that swung the momentum underscores both the unforgiving nature of elite competition and the fine line between heroism and misfortune.
Barcelona, with their rich tradition and depth of talent, seized the initiative early through Ewa Pajor and never relinquished control. The own goal, followed swiftly by Laia Aleixandri’s strike, underlined the professionalism of a team comfortable in asserting its dominance. Benfica, resilient and spirited in parts, were undone not by tactics but by the ebb and flow of a match dictated by experience.
Yet to focus solely on that moment would be to overlook Ucheibe’s broader performance her positioning, her commitment, and her willingness to compete in Europe’s top club competition. Young defenders learn more from adversity than ease. If she absorbs this night as a lesson rather than a setback, there is no reason she cannot return stronger, smarter and more assured.
In football, as in life, misfortune is never final. It is the response measured, determined, professional that writes the lasting narrative.
Did You Know?
- Barcelona remain unbeaten in their Women’s Champions League group after the 3–1 win over Benfica, a key step toward securing a berth in the knockout rounds.
- Ewa Pajor’s goal in the 29th minute was her 15th in 16 appearances in European competition this season — underlining her elite scoring form.
- Barcelona were missing star midfielder Aitana Bonmati due to injury, yet still claimed victory, showing depth in their squad.
- Benfica had mounted an equaliser through Canadian defender Chandra Davidson just after the break, offering brief hope before Ucheibe’s own goal put Barcelona back ahead.
- Barcelona’s victory kept them level on points with Lyon at the top of the group, but Barca’s superior goal difference gives them the edge going into the final group matches.
