When you look at FC Barcelona Femení vs S.L. Benfica, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking it’s just another day at the office for the Catalan giants. On paper, sure, Barca usually wins. But if you actually sat through their most recent clash on December 10, 2025, at the Estadi Johan Cruyff, you saw a game that was way more of a headache for Pere Romeu than the 3-1 scoreline suggests.
Football is funny that way. You can have 70% possession and still feel like you're drowning.
Barcelona came into that Matchday 5 fixture in the UEFA Women's Champions League (UWCL) league phase with a bit of a crisis. Honestly, the squad was paper-thin. With only 12 outfield first-team players available due to a wave of injuries, Romeu had to get creative. Benfica, meanwhile, arrived in Spain knowing they were the underdogs but playing with that "nothing to lose" energy that makes Portuguese sides so annoying to play against.
The Night the Script Almost Flipped
The first half was basically a siege. Alexia Putellas and Clàudia Pina were buzzing around the box like they were on a mission. Pina actually rattled the crossbar, and for a second, it felt like the ball just didn't want to go in. But then, Ewa Pajor did what she does. In the 29th minute, she capitalized on a recovery by Alexia and tucked it home. 1-0. Simple. Except it wasn't.
Benfica didn't just fold. That's the thing about this specific FC Barcelona Femení vs S.L. Benfica rivalry—the Portuguese side has grown up. They used to lose 9-0 to Barca back in 2022. Now? They fight back.
Just seconds after the second half started, Canadian defender Chandra Davidson stunned the home crowd. She found the net in the 46th minute to level it. For about eight minutes, there was this weird, tense silence in the stadium. You could feel the "oh no, not today" vibes creeping in.
How Experience Saved Barcelona
The turning point was messy, which is fitting for a game this physical. In the 54th minute, Alexia whipped in a cross that was deflected into the net by Benfica's Christy Ucheibe. An own goal is a cruel way to lose momentum, and it totally deflated Benfica.
Four minutes later, Laia Aleixandri pounced on a rebound to make it 3-1. Just like that, the danger was gone. Alexia actually missed a penalty later in the game—Lena Pauels made a great save—but by then, the damage was done.
Why This Matchup Matters for the UWCL Standings
By securing those three points, Barcelona moved to 13 points out of a possible 15. They stayed unbeaten in the league phase, hovering at the top of the table. For Benfica, it was sort of the end of the road in terms of top-tier qualification, but they proved they belong in the conversation.
Looking at the history of FC Barcelona Femení vs S.L. Benfica, the gap is closing.
- 2022: Barca wins 9-0 and 6-2. Total dominance.
- 2024: A wild 4-4 draw in Lisbon showed Benfica could actually hurt them.
- 2025: A 3-1 win where Barca had to sweat for every inch.
Breaking Down the Key Players
You can't talk about this game without mentioning Aitana Bonmatí, even though she didn't score in this specific December outing. Her ability to navigate tight spaces is what allows players like Graham Hansen and Pajor to find those pockets of air. On the other side, Benfica's Lena Pauels was a wall. If she hadn't been in such good form, that 3-1 could have easily spiraled into a five or six-goal blowout.
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It's also worth noting the tactical shift under Pere Romeu. While Jonatan Giráldez favored a very specific, high-intensity press, Romeu has had to manage a squad that is frankly exhausted. The use of youth players like Aïcha Cámara and Sydney Schertenleib in the 63rd minute wasn't just for show—it was a necessity.
What to Watch for in Future Meetings
If you're betting on or analyzing the next time these two meet, don't just look at the win/loss column. Look at the "Expected Goals" (xG). In their recent matches, Benfica has been out-creating their status. They are no longer a "park the bus" team; they are a "hit you on the break while you're sleeping" team.
Barcelona is still the gold standard, but their injury list is a genuine concern. When they play Benfica, they can't afford to rotate as heavily as they once did. The Portuguese league is improving, and Benfica is the flagship of that growth.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Analysts
- Watch the first 10 minutes of the second half. Benfica has a habit of coming out of the locker room with a point to prove. They've scored early in the second half in two of their last three meetings with Barca.
- Monitor Alexia Putellas' positioning. She's playing deeper than she used to, acting more as a playmaker for Pajor. This changes how defenders have to track her.
- Keep an eye on the injury report. If Barcelona is missing more than three starters, the "spread" on the game is almost always too high. They win, but they don't always cover.
The rivalry between these two isn't about hate; it's a measuring stick. For Benfica, it’s about how close they can get to the sun. For Barcelona, it’s about making sure they don't get burned while they're trying to manage a long, grueling season.
To stay ahead of the curve on the next FC Barcelona Femení vs S.L. Benfica fixture, track the recovery timelines of Mapi León and the integration of younger academy prospects into the first team. Understanding the depth of the Barca bench is the only way to accurately predict how these high-stakes European nights will actually unfold.