Matchday 4 of the UEFA Women’s Champions League took centre stage across venues in Europe as Defending Champions, Barcelona returned to action as their quest to retain the title continues.
After beating Hoffenheim Women 4-0 on day 3 of the Champions League in Spain, Barcelona women further proved their superiority by ending Hoffenheim Women’s home unbeaten run.
After much delay by Hoffenheim’s defence, Barcelona Women broke the Jinx in the 41st minute through Alexia Putellas’ penalty after she was brought down by Hoffenheim’s Wienroither as Barca Women led 0-1 in the first half. Second half Goals by Irene Paredes and Aitana Bonmati just 12 minutes into the half weakened a defensive Hoffenheim side, that later came out from defending in search of goal. Substitute Marta Torrojen and Crnogorcevic earned Barcelona Women all important 3 points as they beat Hoffenheim Women 0-5 before their home Supporters since March 28, 2021.
Arsenal Women returned with a win after their famous 1-1 draw with Tottenham Hotspur Women in the Women’s Super League.
Foord’s 16th minute Strike opened scoring for Arsenal Women, as the Gunners smiled to the dressing room following their first half lead. Although Arsenal easily beat Køge Women 1-5 in front of their fans but Køge Women became strong and defensive in the 2nd half until they were exhausted in the 83rd minute when Defender Lotte Wubben-Moy got Arsenal’s 2nd goal before super Striker, Miedema sealed another Arsenal’s 3 points with the 3rd goal on day 4.
Arsenal women now need only a draw to join Barcelona Women in the next round, following their victory over Køge women as they garnered 9 points from 4 games, losing only to Barcelona Women on the Group’s opening day game. Barca Women are top of Group C Table and have secured a ticket to the next stage with 12 points in 4 games.
Benfica Women returned to winning ways after losing Matchday 3 in front of their home fans to Hacken Women. Lacasse had put Benfica in the lead through an early goal, which was looking like a pay back since Hacken Women couldn’t gain easy penetration into the visitors Defence. Just as she gave Hacken Women the loan goal Victory on day 3, Elin Rubensson converted a 74th minute penalty after Benfica’s Christy Ucheibe arm had hit the ball in the box but Catarina Amando’s stoppage time goal settled the night for visiting Benfica as they secured Victory and 3 points from Birthday girl, Francisca Nazareth’s assist on away ground.
Benfica Women won, on 1-2 revenge to keep qualifications hope alive.
Bayern Munich women Changed the game from their 2-1 defeat to the 2019 Champions, Olympic Lyonnais Women on day 3 to their own Victory on day 4. A very tough atmosphere was the description and the game outlook between Bayern Women and Lyon Women, which ended the first half in stalemate. The 2nd half was almost going goalless before Saki Kumagai got the winning goal for Bayern Munich from Simon’s corner kick in the 69th minute. Kumagai who left Lyon Women to join Bayern Munich Women secured the 3 points for Bayern and also tarnished Lyon’s 100% UEFA Women’s Champions record this season as they put a smile on their home fans after 90 minute.
Although Lyon Women are still on top of Group D Table with 9 points after their loss but Bayern Munich women have now revived their qualifications hope to the next round after going 2nd and ahead of Benfica Women that can still work out a qualification in the group.
Arsenal Women will be looking for a point against Barcelona Women in England on day 5, even if a revenge mission is hard to achieve. All hope is not lost for Benfica Women as they entertain Lyon Women for 3 points in front of fans in Portugal. Bayern Munich women can seal their qualifications for next round if they are able to beat Hacken Women in Sweden on day 5.
It’s not over, until it’s over, now that another Power house that could beat Barcelona women have lost to another top side, does it mean Barca Women who still maintains 100% record will always find their way around every Team and defend the title convincingly