Barcelona’s women’s team began their 2023/2024 UEFA Women’s Champions League campaign in emphatic style on Wednesday night, demolishing Benfica 5-0 at the Estadi Johan Cruyff, with Asisat Oshoala scoring soon after being introduced from the bench.
The Portuguese side started brightly but it was the Spanish champions who broke the deadlock on 15 minutes, with Alexia Putellas nodding in the rebound after Caroline Graham Hansen’s shot was saved. It was a historic goal for Alexia Putellas as she became Barcelona’s all-time top scorer in the competition with 20 goals.
On the stroke of half-time, the hosts doubled their advantage with Putellas on hand to bundle the ball over the line and grab her second of the night. Aitana Bonmati then added a superb third just before the interval with a composed right-footed finish after good work from Hansen.
After the break, Barcelona remained in control and Bonmati helped herself to a second goal on 52 minutes after another assist from Graham Hansen. The rout was completed nine minutes later as substitute Oshoala scored an outstanding acrobatic volley to make it 5-0.
The emphatic victory capped a memorable night for Barcelona boss Jonatan Giraldez, who took charge of his 100th game at the helm. The holders laid down an early marker in Group A with this statement performance.
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