SL Benfica Women delivered one of the standout results of the UEFA Women’s Champions League matchday, winning 2-1 away at Juventus Women on Wednesday, 23 September 2026.

Benfica’s first-half performance laid the foundation for the victory, with two well-taken goals putting the Portuguese side in command. Juventus fought back strongly after the break and pulled one back, but they could not find an equaliser despite sustained late pressure. The result hands Benfica a major confidence boost and leaves Juventus with work to do in the standings.

Match overview

Juventus started with intent, looking to impose themselves through midfield and feed their forwards in central areas. But Benfica’s high pressing disrupted that plan, forcing turnovers and launching quick attacks. The visitors were ruthless in the first half, scoring twice from moments of transition. Juventus improved after half-time, pushing their full-backs higher and creating a series of chances, but Benfica’s defensive resolve held firm in the closing stages.

Key moments

• 14th minute: Benfica opened the scoring with a composed finish after a high press won the ball in Juventus’ defensive third.
• 31st minute: Benfica doubled their lead on the counter, with a forward racing clear and finishing low across the goalkeeper.
• 55th minute: Juventus began to build momentum, forcing two saves in quick succession.
• 78th minute: Juventus pulled one back with a header from a deep cross, setting up a tense finale.
• 90+2 minute: Benfica cleared a dangerous corner and then kept possession to run down the clock.

Tactical story

Benfica’s game plan was built on pressing triggers and fast vertical passes. They allowed Juventus to have the ball in harmless areas but swarmed the midfield whenever the Italian side tried to progress centrally. That approach produced both goals and forced Juventus into a more direct style than they would have liked. After the break, Juventus pushed their wingers narrower and overloaded the box, which brought them a goal and several half-chances. Benfica responded by dropping their defensive line slightly deeper and protecting the central corridor.

Standout players

Benfica’s No. 9 was the game’s decisive player, scoring one goal and pressing relentlessly to create the other. Their goalkeeper also made two crucial saves in the second half when Juventus were pushing for an equaliser. For Juventus, the captain drove the comeback attempt with powerful runs from midfield, while the substitute who scored the header gave the home side a late spark.

Season impact

This is a result that could shape the entire group. Benfica now have an away win against a major European name, which is exactly the kind of result that builds belief in a UEFA Women’s Champions League campaign. Juventus, meanwhile, will be frustrated by a slow start but can take heart from their second-half response. The head-to-head advantage belongs to Benfica for now, and if the standings remain tight, this 2-1 scoreline could prove crucial in the final analysis.