Asisat Oshoala provided two assists and was on target twice as Barcelona destroyed Christy Ucheibe's SL Benfica 9-0 in Wednesday’s Uefa Women's Champions League group stage encounter.
Super Falcons striker Oshoala was handed a starting role in the attack for the Spanish giants, while compatriot Ucheibe started from the bench for Benfica at the Estadi Johan Cruyff.
It was the 28-year-old Nigerian forward who carried the day as she was at her best in front of goal to propel her team past Filipa Patão’s side.
Barcelona got off to a flying start right from the first minute as they found an early breakthrough when Oshoala set up Patricia Guijarro with a brilliant pass, and the Spaniard finished with aplomb from close range.
The 2020 Champions League winners grabbed their second of the encounter in the 13th minute when Oshoala assisted Aitana Bonmati to make it 2-0.
After her brace of assists, Oshoala fired a thunderous shot from nearly 25 yeards out to get herself on the scoresheet and Barca's third in the 34th minute, leaving hapless Rute Costa scrambling in the Benfica goal.
At the restart, the Portuguese champions were at the recieving end, as Barcelona notched three more goals inside 22 minutes of resuming the contest, with goals coming from Mariona Caldentey, Ana-Maria Crnogorcevic, and Geyse.
With 20 minutes left to go, coach Patao introduced midfielder Ucheibe in attempt to rescue situations but her gamble did not pay off as the Blaugrana scored three more goals off the feet of Claudia Pina, Oshoala, and Geyse.
The big home win off a heavy dominance saw the ruthless Spanish champions claimed a healthy opening win which takes them to the top of Group D on huge goal difference.
Oshoala was also named the Player of the Match following her impactful showing, having contributed two goals and two assists for Barcelona in the thrashing of visiting Portuguese giants.
Oshoala and Barcelona will now shift focus to their next Spanish topflight contest with Real Betis on October 22.
