Salvai double secures late UWCL win over Benfica | OneFootball

A splendid brace from Cecilia Salvai gave the Juventus Women’s First Team a winning start to their UEFA Women’s Champions League campaign at the Allianz Stadium.

Massimiliano Canzi's Bianconere came from behind to beat Portuguese side Benfica 2-1 on the first day of the League Phase, thanks to Salvai's two goals, one in each half.

THE MATCH REPORT

The match got off to a very quick start with Pauline Payraud-Magnin making a save from Caroline Moller’s header. Juventus responded quickly, with Lia Walti crossing for Cristian Girelli whose header went wide.

In the sixth minute, Benfica took the lead, with Lucia Alves scoring. Juve responded well, creating several chances. Girelli had another headed chance, whilst Amalie Vangsgaard and Barbara Bonansea also could have scored.

The equaliser, which was well deserved, came halfway through the first half. Bonansea provided the assist for Salvai, who headed in. Juventus thought they had another goal before the break, but VAR intervened for an offside.

The second half began with a Girelli header from a Martina Lenzini cross. Bonansea was next to come close to scoring after beating two defenders, whilst Ucheibe had a chance for Benfica.

Just when it looked like the game was heading for a draw, the Bianconere gave the fans at the Allianz Stadium something to cheer about, with Salvai once again stepping up to the plate. She found herself in the penalty area following a corner from Eva Schatzer and, with perfect timing, scored her second goal of the game to seal a winning start for the Bianconere in the Champions League.

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