Top 10 women’s champions league moments

The best Champions League campaigns are like a good pizza: You must have all of the right ingredients in order to make theperfect pie. Soccer 360 Magazine Reporter Sean Maslin has the Top Ten Moments to consider for 2023.

10.) Berger ‘I love penalties’

It is not often that one hears a goalkeeper say that they actually enjoy penalties but one can certainly understand why Chelsea goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger would feel that way. The German international goalkeeper was put to the test in the second of Chelsea’s tie against Lyon, having to go against one of the top attacking sides in the tournament in an event that never favors the goalkeeper. But she pulled it off, making two diving saves on Wendi Renard and Lindsay Horan to pull off the 4-3 result and book their spot in the semifinals.

9.) Mjelde Makes It!

Berger wouldn’t have had the chance to make it to penalties if Chelsea did not get a goal in regulation. Faced with certain doom being down on goal difference, they received a second chance in the 120th minute when Maren Mjelde earned a penalty deep into stoppage time. The defender made the most of her chance burying her shot into the back of the net and giving Chelsea another chance in penalties. 

8.) Peyraud-Magnin The Magnificent

Juventus did not make it through to the knockout stage but they certainly turned some heads in the Group Stage, holding their own against the likes of Arsenal and Lyon. In their Group C finale against Lyon in a must-win situation they threw the kitchen sink at the Lions, leaving their defensive third a bit empty. Goalkeeper Pauline Peyraud-Magnin proved to be up for the task, making five huge saves to keep things level. Juve didn’t make it through but they certainly earned the respect of the football community. 

7.) Prague and Pierogies

This year’s Champions League was a tough year for Slavia Prague, who finished at the bottom of Group B. But in football there are always glimmers of hope, and for the Czech promise came in the form of a 0-0 draw on the road against future Champions League finalists Wofsburg. Goalkeeper Olivia Lukasova made an incredible 14 saves on the afternoon, earning Player of the Match honors. 

6.) Popp Puts Away PSG

PSG has always been a bit snakebitten when it comes to winning the UEFA Women’s Champions League, having promising runs early only to lose momentum in the knockout stage. This year, Alexandria proved to be their main foil with the Wolfsburg striker scoring the decisive second goal in their series.

5.)  Camp Nou Sells Out

Once again, the supporters of FC Barcelona came out in droves this season to support their side with massive attendance figures for each of their matches. It hit a high note in the semifinals, when 77,000 packed the famed stadium to watch Barca draw Chelsea 1-1 and book their spot in the semifinals. 

4.) The Power of Pajor

Ewa Pajor might not be the most recognizable name in women’s football but she is certainly one of the best goalscorers. The Wolfsburg striker continued her prolific run in the Champions League this season by scoring eight goals through the Group and Knockout stage. 

3.) Giacinti Hits The Big Stage

This year’s Cinderella was undoubtedly AS Roma, who won their first-ever Serie A title and made their first-ever appearance in the Champions League knockout round. While it was a team effort veteran Valentina Giacinti, was the key to their success. The veteran Italian international scored four crucial goals to book their spot in the knockout stage. 

2.) Bremer bests Arsenal

Pauline Bremer hasn’t had the strongest season with Wolfsburg, but all was forgiven when the German strikers lifted the side past Arsenal in the second leg of their semifinal series. Her strike in the 118th minute ended a wild series between the two sides which saw nine goals and four lead changes. 

1) Hanson The Hero For Barcelona

Making the Champions League final requires a lot of luck and some standout performances. For Barcelona in their two game series against Chelsea, they were fortunate to have both in the form of Caroline Graham Hansen. The Norwegian striker got things going with her goal at Stamford Bridge in the fourth minute of their first match. She added a second at the Camp Nou, a 63rd minute effort that proved critical with both sides drawing 1-1.