The last group stage game of the UEFA Women’s Champions League was filled with so much drama and tension as Barcelona Femeni faced unexpected resilience from an inspired Benfica side. The Portuguese champions seemed full of vigor and continually caused problems for the European champions in an enthralling game that ended 4-4 at full time.
Empat a Portugal 🤝#BenficaBarça pic.twitter.com/LAR0hwhjw1
— FC Barcelona Femení (@FCBfemeni) January 31, 2024
Barcelona started the game as always, totally dominating the play and scoring two quick goals in succession. Caroline Graham Hansen and Patri Guijarro gave Barca a two goal lead 20 minutes into the game as it seemed like Barcelona were on the verge of running away with another victory against the Portuguese team.
However, Benfica responded in style with a comeback, scoring an equalizer right on the stroke of halftime. Marie Alidou scored a first half brace to force a 2-2 draw at halftime, creating an unexpected buildup to an dramatic second half.
Barcelona took the lead again in the second half with Caroline Graham Hansen scoring a brace of her own to put the Spanish champions back in front in the 54th minute. Benfica responded to the drawback in style scoring two goals again to put the Blaugrana on the backfoot at the end of regulation time. Jessica Silva’s beautiful finish and an own goal from Lucy Bronze almost secured the surprise win for Benfica.
Injuries and stoppages during the game eventually happened to be the denying factor of their victory over the Catalan giants as Barcelona forced an equalizer in the last minute of additional time. Lucy Bronze socred with a brilliant header to restore her name on the scoresheet and force a draw for the Blaugrana.
The game ended 4-4 at full time, having delivered the most dramatic and intriguing performance in the group stage. Although the outcome of the match had no impact on both teams, who had already secured qualification into the knockout stages prior to the game, the action and excitement packed into the game were unmatchable and gave the crowd quite a spectacle as the Champions League group stage came to an end.
The draw ended Barca Femeni’s winning streak of 23 games this season, bringing an end to all hopes of the Bluagrana having a flawless season. However, while the draw puts a stain on their winning record, the Blaugrana still remain unbeaten across all competitions this season
