Reigning three-time winners Barcelona maintained control of the league phase standings with a 3-1 home win over Benfica. With Bonmati sidelined with a leg fracture, Ewa Pajor put Barca into an early lead only for Chandra Davidson to level for the Portuguese visitors seconds after the break.

Christy Ucheibe's own goal followed quickly by Laia Aleixandri's deflected shot kept Barca unbeaten ahead of next week's closing league phase matches. The score could have been far more lop-sided but for a sterling performance by Benfica goalkeeper Lena Pauels, including denying Alexia Putellas from the penalty spot.

Eight-time champions Lyon moved into second on goal difference, Melchie Dumornay's second half double helping them down competition debutants Manchester United 3-0. English champions Chelsea moved past Juventus and into third, two points adrift, with a 6-0 rout of Roma to ensure their progress into the knock out stage.

Chelsea extended their unbeaten run in the group or league phase of the competition to 23 matches. A goal and assist in the first half from Johanna Rytting Kaneryd set up the victory at Stamford Bridge, while Sjoeke Nusken, Maiko Hamano and Wieke Kaptein were also on target, with Lucy Bronze's inch-perfect chip the cherry on the cake.

Paris FC have the bragging rights over their well-heeled but eliminated city neighbours Paris Saint-Germain as a 1-0 win at Norwegian side Valerenga ensured their place in the play-offs. Fiamma's late stunner salvaged Atletico Madrid a 2-2 draw at home to Bayern Munich.

The four highest-placed sides in the table will progress automatically to the quarter-finals with fifth to 12th entering a two-legged play-off in February to secure a last-eight berth. Holders Arsenal ensured they will reach at least the knockout play-offs on Tuesday with a 1-0 win over Dutch side Twente

C. Davidson

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