Ajibade scores first UWCL goal against Real Madrid, midfielder-turned-CB Ucheibe shines v Arsenal

Three 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations winners were in action on Thursday during matchday two of the UEFA Women's Champions League league phase.

At the PSG Campus, Paris Saint-Germain suffered a 2–1 defeat to Real Madrid, with Super Falcons stars Jennifer Echegini and Rasheedat Ajibade both named in the starting XI.

Real Madrid raced into a two-goal lead in the first half through Naomie Feller and Redondo, but Ajibade halved the deficit just before the hour mark.

The former Atlético de Madrid forward opened her account for PSG with a well-taken header, ghosting in unmarked at the far post to nod home Sakina Karchaoui's cross.

Ajibade's strike was also her first-ever UEFA Women's Champions League goal, achieved in her fifth appearance in the competition.

Elsewhere, Benfica fell 2–0 to defending champions Arsenal at the Estádio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica, with Christy Ucheibe featuring for the entire 90 minutes.

Second half goals from Beth Mead and Alessia Russo secured Arsenal their first Champions League points of the season.

Ucheibe stood out for Benfica with a composed and commanding display at the heart of their defence, making several crucial interventions.

Interestingly, the Nigeria international originally joined Benfica as a midfielder in 2020 but has since been successfully converted into a centre-back, where she continues to impress. 
 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit: psg.fr

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