Heroic Salvai leads Juventus to a thrilling victory over Benfica in their European opener. Discover the match highlights and key moments here.
Benfica Strike Early to Shock the Hosts
On a crisp evening at the Juventus Stadium in Turin, the UEFA Women’s Champions League group stage produced another dramatic encounter as Juventus Women fought from behind to secure a 2–1 win over Benfica. Central defender Cecilia Salvai emerged as the unlikely hero, scoring both goals for the Bianconere after Lucia Alves had given the Portuguese side an early lead.
Benfica entered the match full of confidence, pressing aggressively and looking to unsettle Juventus in the opening minutes. Their ambition paid off in just the sixth minute when Lucia Alves found the net with a clinical finish. The lively right-back surged forward on the overlap, played a one-two on the edge of the area, and rifled in a low shot that deflected slightly before beating Pauline Peyraud-Magnin at the near post.
The early goal stunned the home supporters, who had barely settled into their seats. Juventus, caught momentarily flat-footed, needed time to find their rhythm. Benfica’s front line pressed relentlessly, forcing errors in Juve’s buildup play, and the visitors looked threatening every time they switched play quickly to their wide players.
However, the Portuguese side’s early dominance began to wane as Juventus gradually wrestled control of possession. With Cristiana Girelli dropping deeper to help circulate the ball and Julia Grosso dictating play from midfield, the Italian champions started to find spaces between Benfica’s midfield lines. Their patience would soon be rewarded.
See also: Barcelona Women Crush Bayern 7–1 in Champions League Opener
Cecilia Salvai Levels the Contest
In the 22nd minute, Juventus found their breakthrough through an unlikely source. Defender Cecilia Salvai, who had pushed forward for a corner, capitalized on a moment of chaos inside Benfica’s six-yard box. After Grosso’s delivery was flicked on by Lineth Beerensteyn, the loose ball fell to Salvai, who smashed home a left-footed volley to make it 1–1.
The equalizer transformed the atmosphere inside Juventus Stadium. Roared on by their fans, Joe Montemurro’s side grew in confidence and began imposing their brand of football—methodical, possession-based, and punctuated by bursts of direct pace from the flanks.
From that moment onward, Benfica were forced increasingly onto the back foot. Juventus’ wing-backs, Lisa Boattin and Sofia Cantore, pushed higher, stretching Benfica’s defensive shape and allowing Juve’s midfield trio to dictate proceedings. The movement of Girelli and Beerensteyn kept Benfica’s center-backs occupied, creating space for Grosso and Arianna Caruso to advance into dangerous areas.
Although Benfica continued to pose a counter-attacking threat—particularly through the quick transitions of Kika Nazareth and Marie-Yasmine Alidou—their opportunities became limited as Juventus tightened their defensive organization. Salvai, after scoring the equalizer, grew even more commanding at the back, winning duels, intercepting through balls, and organizing the back line with authority.
Juventus Dominate but Fail to Capitalize in the First Half
As halftime approached, Juventus looked the more likely to take the lead. Aitana BonmatÃ-like control from Grosso maintained their tempo, while Beerensteyn’s electric runs threatened repeatedly. In the 38th minute, Girelli almost found the net with a looping header, but Benfica goalkeeper Lena Pauels reacted superbly to palm it over the bar.
The home crowd could sense a second goal, yet Benfica’s resolve held firm. Their defense, led by Carole Costa and SÃlvia Rebelo, stood tall under pressure. Despite being pinned back, Benfica demonstrated commendable tactical discipline and absorbed Juventus’ waves of attack until the halftime whistle, going into the break level at 1–1.
The scoreline reflected the balance of play—Benfica had made a bright start, but Juventus had clearly assumed control. For Montemurro’s side, the challenge heading into the second half was clear: maintain intensity, convert dominance into goals, and avoid being caught on the counter.
Second Half – Midfield Control and Tactical Patience
The second half began with Juventus pressing even higher up the pitch. Grosso and Caruso orchestrated play with precision, recycling possession and constantly probing for openings. Juventus began to consolidate territory deep inside Benfica’s half, forcing the visitors to defend compactly in two deep blocks.
Benfica, however, remained dangerous in flashes. In the 57th minute, Lucia Alves nearly repeated her first-half heroics when she slipped through the right channel again, but her low cross was cleared by Salvai just in time. That moment of defensive awareness from the Juventus captain proved crucial, preventing what could have been a decisive counterattack.
Juventus continued to apply structured pressure. Beerensteyn’s movement across the front line created uncertainty, while Girelli’s link-up play drew midfield support. The introduction of Sofia Cantore for fresh energy on the flank added another layer of directness, stretching Benfica’s tiring defense.
The turning point came in the final 15 minutes when Benfica began to visibly fade. Juventus, urged forward by their supporters, maintained relentless possession. Through tactical discipline and belief, they refused to settle for a draw. The match had an air of inevitability about it—and it was Salvai once again who would provide the moment of magic.
Salvai Scores Again to Win It Late
With only four minutes of normal time remaining, Juventus found their winner. The decisive sequence began when Boattin earned a free-kick near the corner flag on the right side. Girelli floated in a pinpoint delivery into the crowded box. Rising above two Benfica defenders, Cecilia Salvai met the cross with a thunderous header that flew beyond Pauels and into the far corner.
The Juventus Stadium erupted. The captain had done it again—two goals, both from set-pieces, both at vital moments. Her celebration was one of pure passion, fists clenched as teammates mobbed her near the sideline. It was not just about scoring; it was a statement of leadership and determination, a defender willing to carry her team through adversity.
Benfica attempted one final surge forward in stoppage time, but Juventus defended with organization and composure. Martina Lenzini and Salvai repelled every cross that flew into the area, while Peyraud-Magnin punched away the last corner in the dying seconds to seal the victory.
When the final whistle blew, Juventus players collapsed to the turf in exhaustion but exhilaration. The 2–1 comeback was complete—a hard-fought, character-driven win that encapsulated their European ambitions.
Heroic Salvai and Team Resilience Shine
Few defenders deliver match-winning performances like Cecilia Salvai’s that night. Her leadership at the back was as vital as her scoring contributions up front. Apart from her two goals, she marshaled the defensive line with intelligence and composure, cutting out numerous Benfica passes and commanding aerial duels.
Her performance symbolized Juventus’ approach under Montemurro: collective spirit, tactical unity, and resilience even when things don’t start perfectly. Salvai’s teammates fed off her energy. Grosso’s control in midfield, Girelli’s selfless work rate, and Boattin’s relentless overlapping runs all contributed to the turnaround.
For Benfica, the result may sting, but their performance showed promise. Lucia Alves was outstanding throughout, combining defensive awareness with attacking thrust. Kika Nazareth also showed flashes of creativity, but the Portuguese side ultimately couldn’t withstand Juve’s late pressure. Had they converted one of their counter-attacks midway through the second half, the story might have been different.
Nevertheless, Benfica’s display underscored their growing competitiveness in Europe. Despite their defeat, they competed bravely against a more experienced side and can take heart from matching Juventus for large spells.
Juventus Announce Themselves as Contenders Again
This victory sends an early message to the rest of Europe: Juventus remains a force to be reckoned with. Their structure, tactical flexibility, and the emerging depth of their squad will make them formidable opponents throughout the competition. Winning home matches like this, especially after falling behind, is critical in the group stage’s psychological and mathematical battles.
For head coach Joe Montemurro, this match encapsulated his philosophy—methodical patience leading to precision strikes. Juventus didn’t panic after going behind; they trusted their plan, maintained shape, and made set-pieces count. The blend of veteran leadership and youthful energy bodes well for the campaign ahead.
As the fans departed into the night, waving black-and-white flags against the lights of Turin, the echoes of celebration carried through the stadium. Juventus had not merely won a football match—they had reaffirmed their European identity.
