Barcelona began the defense of its UEFA Women’s Champions League title by thrashing visitors Benfica 5-0 on Tuesday night.
Alexia Putellas, a two-time Ballon d’Or Feminin winner, scored twice before current award-holder Aitana Bonmati also scored twice.
The greatest goal of the night, however, was scored by Asisat Oshoala, who found the net with a spectacular bicycle kick. Caroline Graham Hansen played a role in three of Barcelona’s five goals.
She was also extensively involved in the build-up to the game’s first goal, which was scored by Putellas with an instinctive header in the 15th minute after Graham Hansen’s shot was blocked following a superb run.
Putellas then made it 2-0 on 39 minutes with a tap-in from ultra-close range.
It was 3-0 before half-time thanks to a composed finish by Bonmati following more good work by Graham Hansen.
Another Graham Hansen assist helped Bonmati make it 4-0 just six and a half minutes into the second half.
Oshoala then completed the scoring shortly after the hour-mark when she acrobatically met a Graham Hansen cross with her flying right boot.