Juventus Women enter their UEFA Women’s Champions League opener against Benfica with a squad that has already stamped its authority on the competition. Tatiana Pinto and Cecilia Salvai are the only two players in the Bianconere’s ranks to have scored more than once in last season’s tournament, each netting twice—Pinto with goals against Lyon and St. Pölten, Salvai with both against Benfica. Their experience in high-pressure European fixtures is a cornerstone of a team that has never lost its opening home match in a major European competition, boasting 21 wins and five draws in 26 such games. The Allianz Stadium, a stage they’ve conquered before, will amplify their confidence as they prepare to face a Benfica side known for their attacking prowess down the flanks.
The tactical battle ahead is as intriguing as it is historic. Head coach Isaac Guerrero has emphasized the squad’s resilience, dismissing any talk of fatigue after a grueling Serie A Women’s Cup campaign. ‘The girls have fought hard to play in the Champions League,’ Guerrero stated, ‘and fatigue won’t show.’ His words carry weight given Juventus’ track record: they’ve won their opening match of a major European competition by a margin of at least five goals seven times in history, the last being their 1992-93 UEFA Cup debut—a tournament they ultimately won. Yet Benfica, a club with a storied legacy, will test them with relentless attacking pressure. The Luso side’s flanks are their weapon, and Juventus’ defensive organization—led by the 2004-born Estela Carbonell, who provided two assists and 13 chances last season—will be scrutinized under the Allianz Stadium lights.
Carbonell’s emergence as a defensive playmaker is no accident. Among defenders, only Selma Bacha (31 chances), Katie McCabe (20), and Mapi León (16) created more opportunities than her last season, a stat that underscores her growing influence. Her ability to dictate tempo will be crucial against Benfica’s direct style, which thrives on counterattacks and quick transitions. Pinto and Salvai, meanwhile, will look to replicate their Champions League form, their goals against Benfica last season a reminder of the pressure they can exert in this fixture. The Allianz Stadium, with its electric atmosphere, will be a double-edged sword: a platform for Juventus to celebrate their heritage, but also a stage where Benfica’s attacking firepower could ignite a comeback.
The stakes couldn’t be higher. This isn’t just a Champions League opener—it’s a clash of titans in a competition where Juventus has already carved its name into the history books. The Bianconere’s dominance in European football is unmatched, but Benfica’s attacking flair and tactical flexibility mean this won’t be a walkover. Guerrero’s squad, forged in the fires of Serie A’s most competitive seasons, will need to channel that same intensity. The Allianz Stadium will be the battleground where Juventus’ defensive solidity meets Benfica’s offensive creativity, and the outcome could redefine their Champions League campaign before it even begins.
