The Juventus Women pulled off a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over Sport Lisboa e Benfica on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, in the inaugural match of the new UEFA Women's Champions League league phaseAllianz Stadium in Turin. It wasn’t just another opener—it was history. Defender Cecilia Salvai, who had never scored in European competition before, netted both goals—including the 86th-minute winner—to seal a win that felt like a statement. The crowd, still buzzing from the final whistle, knew they’d witnessed something rare: a team rising from behind, against the odds, in the first-ever match under the UWCL’s radical new format.
The Turning Point: Salvai’s Moment
Benfica struck first. Just six minutes in, Lucia C. Sousa Alves pounced on a defensive miscommunication to slot home the opening goal. The Portuguese side, riding high after three straight away wins in Europe, looked composed. Juventus, meanwhile, looked rattled. But then came the 22nd minute. A cross from the left, a flick-on, and Salvai—normally a rock at the back—rose like a striker, heading it past the keeper. 1-1. The stadium erupted. Then, just before halftime, a goal was disallowed for offside. The tension was thick. And then, in the 86th minute, it happened again. A counterattack, a threaded pass from midfield, and Salvai, with ice in her veins, finished low into the far corner. No celebration. Just a hand on her chest, eyes closed. She had done it.
A New Era for the UWCL
This wasn’t just a win—it was the debut of a completely restructured tournament. For the first time, the old group stage is gone. Now, 18 teams play six matches each—three at home, three away—with no more easy groupings or guaranteed knockout spots. The top four automatically reach the quarterfinals. Fifth through twelfth? They fight in a two-legged playoff in February 2026. The bottom six? Eliminated entirely. No second chances. That’s the new reality. And it made every minute of this match matter more than ever.
Juventus, with 38 UWCL appearances—the most by any Italian club—had always been a powerhouse in the old format. But this? This was different. They’d won their opening match in all three previous group stage campaigns… and never conceded. Until now. The goal they let in? A wake-up call. The comeback? A sign they’re adapting.
Benfica’s Fight and the Portuguese Record
Sport Lisboa e Benfica entered the match with more UWCL appearances than any Portuguese team—40 total. Their captain, Carole Costa, has played in 38 of them. That’s experience. That’s grit. They weren’t here to make up the numbers. They came to prove they belong. And for 85 minutes, they did. Their midfield controlled the tempo. Their defense held firm. They almost stole it. But in this new format, one moment is all it takes. And Salvai made it count.
What This Means for the Rest of the Season
Matchday 2 is already set. On October 9, Benfica hosts Arsenal Women Football Club in Lisbon at 21:00 CEST. Meanwhile, Juventus faces another tough test: a trip to face Paris Saint-Germain Féminines. The stakes? Sky-high. With only four automatic spots, every point is gold. And with the bottom six eliminated, there’s no room for error.
Even the reigning champions, Arsenal, aren’t taking it lightly. Defender Emily Fox, who plays for both Arsenal and the U.S. national team, put it bluntly: “Winning last year hasn’t changed that mindset one bit. We know that any team on their day is dangerous… especially with the new format.”
There’s also a personal subplot. Arianna Caruso, once a Juventus midfielder, now plays for Bayern Munich after her permanent move in summer 2025. She’s not facing her old club yet—but she will. And when she does, the emotions will run deep.
Why This Matters Beyond the Scoreline
This match wasn’t just about goals. It was about identity. For Juventus, it showed they can win without perfection. For Benfica, it proved they can compete with Europe’s elite—even if they came up just short. And for the UWCL? It signaled a new era. More teams. More drama. More unpredictability. More pressure. More heartbreak. More magic.
And it all started with one defender, in Turin, who finally found the net in Europe—and changed everything.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the new UWCL league phase format work?
The 2025/26 UEFA Women’s Champions League replaced the traditional group stage with a single 18-team league phase. Each team plays six matches—three home, three away—against different opponents. The top four finishers qualify directly for the quarterfinals. Teams finishing 5th through 12th enter a two-legged playoff in February 2026 for the remaining four quarterfinal spots. The bottom six are eliminated from European competition entirely.
Why was Cecilia Salvai’s performance so remarkable?
Salvai had never scored in any European competition prior to this match. A central defender known for her tackling and positioning, she delivered a brace under pressure—including the winner in the 86th minute—to secure Juventus’ first win in the new format. Her emotional reaction afterward reflected not just personal achievement, but the weight of the moment: the first-ever UWCL league phase match, with history on the line.
Which teams are considered favorites under the new format?
Arsenal, as reigning champions, and Barcelona remain top contenders. But the new format levels the playing field. Teams like PSG, Bayern Munich, and even Benfica—now with more exposure and experience—are legitimate threats. With only four automatic spots, even traditionally strong clubs like Juventus must now win consistently, not just in big games.
How does this affect smaller clubs like Benfica?
For clubs like Benfica, the new format is a double-edged sword. On one hand, they play more high-profile matches and earn greater revenue. On the other, elimination after six games leaves no margin for error. Their 40 UWCL appearances make them Portugal’s most experienced team, but now they must consistently finish in the top 12 just to stay alive. A single loss can be fatal.
Where can fans in the U.S. watch the matches?
All UEFA Women’s Champions League matches in the 2025/26 season are broadcast live exclusively on Paramount+ in the United States. This includes every Juventus, Benfica, Arsenal, and PSG match—no cable subscription required. Matchday 2 kicks off with PSG vs. Real Madrid Femenino and Benfica vs. Arsenal on October 9 at 21:00 CEST.
What’s next for Juventus after this win?
Juventus’ next challenge is a road trip to Paris to face PSG on Matchday 2, October 10. They’ll need to avoid the pattern of their last campaign, where they won their opener but then lost at home to Bayern Munich. With the new format’s high stakes, they can’t afford another slip-up. Their goal? Finish in the top four—and avoid the playoff scramble entirely.
1 Comments
Honestly? This was peak drama. Salvai? A defender? Scoring twice? I mean, come on. This is the kind of fairy tale they script for movies, not actual football. And don't even get me started on the format-this isn't football anymore, it's survival mode. 🤡