Barca, Chelsea shine in Women's Champions League

Defending champions Barcelona overcame the missing Ballon d'Or recipient Aitana Bonmati to secure a victory in the Women's Champions League on Wednesday, while Chelsea enjoyed a comfortable triumph.

The three-time consecutive victors Barcelona stayed in charge of the league phase table following a 3-1 victory at home against Benfica.

Bonmati out due to a leg injury, Ewa Pajor gave Barca the lead early on, but Chandra Davidson equalised for the Portuguese team just after halftime.

Soon after, Christy Ucheibe's own goal and Laia Aleixandri's deflected effort ensured Barca remained undefeated before the final league phase games next week.

The result might have been much more decisive without the excellent display from Benfica's keeper Lena Pauels, who notably stopped Alexia Putellas from a penalty.

Eight-time winners Lyon climbed to second place on goal difference, with Melchie Dumornay's pair of second-half strikes leading them to a 3-0 win against newcomers Manchester United.

The English title holders Chelsea overtook Juventus for third spot, trailing by two points, after a 6-0 thrashing of Roma that confirmed their advancement to the knockout rounds.

Chelsea stretched their unbeaten streak in the group or league phase to 23 games.

Johanna Rytting Kaneryd's goal and assist during the opening half paved the way for the win at Stamford Bridge, with Sjoeke Nusken, Maiko Hamano, and Wieke Kaptein also scoring, capped by Lucy Bronze's precise chip.

Paris FC gained the upper hand over their richer yet knocked-out local rivals Paris Saint-Germain thanks to a 1-0 success against Norwegian team Valerenga, locking in their play-off spot.

Fiamma's stunning late strike rescued a 2-2 tie for Atletico Madrid hosting Bayern Munich.

The top four teams will go straight to the quarter-finals, while positions five through twelve will face two-legged play-offs in February for a chance at the last eight.

Champions Arsenal guaranteed at least the knockout play-offs on Tuesday via a 1-0 success over Dutch outfit Twente.