Contrasting fortunes for Nigerian stars as Benfica win in Portugal and Atlético Madrid lose in Spain

Super Falcons forward Rasheedat Ajibade endured a frustrating outing as her Atlético Madrid side suffered a 3-0 defeat to reigning champions Barcelona in the semifinal of the Supercopa Femenina.

Atlético Madrid had hoped to become the first Spanish club to defeat Barcelona since 2021, but they were undone by a clinical attacking display from their opponents.

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Ajibade, however, will rue missed opportunities, particularly a golden chance in the 24th minute with the score still goalless.

Racing onto a through ball from Ainhoa Moraza during a swift counterattack, the Nigerian star fired her shot just over the top right corner.

Barcelona capitalised on Atlético’s missed chances, breaking the deadlock in the 44th minute through Clàudia Pina. Pina added a second goal in the second half, while Caroline Graham Hansen sealed the victory with a late third.

Ajibade remains without a goal against Barcelona’s goalkeeper Cata Coll, but the Nigerian international is still Atlético’s leading scorer in the league this season, with six goals and two assists in 14 matches.

Her performances this campaign mirror last season’s success, where she finished as the club’s top scorer and was named Player of the Season.

Barcelona will now face the winner of the second semifinal clash between Real Madrid and Real Sociedad in the final.

 

Meanwhile, it was a night of celebration for Ajibade’s international teammate Christy Ucheibe, who played a key role in Benfica’s commanding 3-0 victory over Torreense in the first leg of the Taça da Liga Feminina semifinal.

#SLBenficaFem | ​​⏹️ ́ ! Vitória e vamos em vantagem para a 2.ª mão da meia final da #TaçadaLigaFeminina ✔️

⚽ Andreia Norton (2) e Lara Martins#LojasEspacoCasa #Europcar #Glassdrive #Auditiv @adidasfootball pic.twitter.com/Qt56pUZ6OD

— SL Benfica (@SLBenfica) January 22, 2025

Andreia Norton’s first-half brace and Lara Martins’ second-half strike gave Benfica a significant advantage at the Campo Manuel Marques in Torres Vedras. Ucheibe impressed in midfield, providing stability and composure for her team.

Benfica will host the second leg at the Caixa Futebol Campus in Seixal on February 12. The other semifinal features Damaiense taking on Sporting CP.

BE THOU EXALTED OH LORD ABOVE THE HEAVENS AND LET YOUR GLORY BE ABOVE ALL THE EARTH AMEN.

ONTO THE NEXT @SLBenfica #UC16 #UcheibeChristy pic.twitter.com/EyfoSjw10v

— Ucheibe Christy (@UcheibeC) January 23, 2025

Ucheibe, who lifted the Taça da Liga last season with Benfica, will be aiming to help her side secure a fifth title in the competition over the past six years.