Introducing the UWCL Star Power Index — a spotlight on players making headlines in the UEFA Women’s Champions League. This feature highlights athletes who have shaped matches, whether positively or negatively. The players showcased here are not ranked in any order; they’re simply the names generating conversation in the sport.
1. Linda Dallmann (Bayern Munich)
Bayern Munich’s midfielder Linda Dallmann set the tone in their match against Manchester City. With her commitment to the team’s pressing game, she effectively disrupted City’s midfield play in the first half, and her rapid attacks and recoveries culminated in an assist for Giulia Gwinn’s goal.
Bayern has honed their counterattacking strategy in the Champions League. Despite having less possession and fewer touches than City, they outperformed them with 15 shots and four on target. While they would have preferred to secure all points in their opener, Dallmann’s presence will likely help them rebound strongly in their next match.
Fans can catch all the matches on CBS Sports platforms. Paramount+ will stream all 183 games this season, the highest number of matches available in the competition’s newly expanded format. Additionally, CBS Sports Network will air one match each week, with select matches on CBS Sports Golazo Network.
2. Haley Bugeja (Inter Milan)
Fresh from a thrilling UWCL qualifier where they ousted Wolfsburg, Inter Milan celebrated their first league-phase victory, thanks to Haley Bugeja. Bugeja made history as the first Maltese player to score during the UWCL league phase.
The Italian team played boldly against a more seasoned opponent, maintaining possession and generating long-range shots that ultimately rattled the BK Hacken defense, leading to a red card for their goalkeeper.
3. Jennifer Falk (BK Hacken)
Buzz can also stem from mistakes, and unfortunately for BK Hacken’s goalkeeper Jennifer Falk, she found herself out of position during a crucial moment. Her only option was to challenge Brittany Raphino, leading to a controversial VAR review.
This season, Hacken is viewed as a dark horse, building on their past Champions League experiences and their recent victory in the inaugural Women’s Europa Cup. The late sending-off offered little time for Hacken to recalibrate, and they will now need to adjust without their starting goalkeeper in their upcoming matches, likely relying on Disa Hellwig or Hanna Karlsson.
4. Marit Bratberg Lund (Benfica)
Benfica currently leads the UWCL league phase table, as anticipated, thanks to Marit Bratberg Lund’s strong performance. She held her nerve to convert a penalty kick in the first half and later secured the win with a spectacular free kick against Juventus.
Fan Take: The performance of emerging stars like Dallmann and Bugeja highlights the growing excitement and talent in women’s soccer, showcasing not just individual skill but also the evolution of the game. As these players generate buzz, it amplifies interest in the tournament and its potential to inspire future generations of female athletes.
Source: www.cbssports.com
