Rise Higher

UWCL

Vanessa Gilles played the full match for Lyon in their UWCL match-up against Brann. Lyon won their match 3-1. Marie Alidou had a memorable match for Benfica, scoring the match-winner in their 1-0 win over Eintracht Frankfurt. This was Alidou’s first goal of the group stages after scoring four in UWCL qualifiers. After picking up an injury at the end of the summer, Clarissa Larisey earned her first start since July for BK Häcken as they drew Chelsea 0-0. Larisey played 76 minutes. For Chelsea, Kadeisha Buchanan played the full match and Jessie Fleming was on the bench. Ashley Lawrence was not in the squad. Finally, Evelyne Viens started for Roma in their 2-1 loss to PSG. 

Australia

Lysianne Proulx started for Melbourne City in their 1-1 draw with Central Coast Mariners.

Denmark

Emma Regan remained unavailable for HB Køge as they won 1-0 against Aalborg.

England

Adriana Leon earned the start for Aston Villa in their Conti Cup match against Durham. Leon scored the first goal of the night and assisted Villa’s game-winning goal. Villa took all three points with a 5-1 win. Arsenal and Tottenham faced off for the first time this week in the Conti Cup. Sabrina D’Angelo and Cloé Lacasse started for Arsenal, whilst Shelina Zadorsky came off the bench for Tottenham. The match ended in a 3-3 draw; Zadorsky converted a penalty kick, but D’Angelo made a crucial save for the Gunners to ensure that Arsenal won on penalties 4-3. Manchester United defeated Leicester City 3-1. Jayde Riviere was an unused substitute for Man U, whereas Deanne Rose remained unavailable for Leicester due to an injury.

Tottenham and Arsenal once again faced each other, this time in regular league play. All three Canadians were on the bench until the 90th minute, when Lacasse made an appearance for Arsenal. Tottenham won 1-0. Riviere played the full match for Manchester United as they lost 1-2 to Liverpool. Chelsea finished 2023 at the top of the WSL table with a 3-0 win over Bristol City. Lawrence started and played 78 minutes, Fleming entered in the 73rd minute, and Buchanan was unavailable. D. Rose was again not in the squad for Leicester City in a 1-1 draw with West Ham United. Finally, Leon earned player of the match honours for scoring the only goal in Aston Villa’s 1-0 win over Brighton. 

France

Gilles played 71 minutes for Lyon in their 3-1 win over Fleury. Latifah Abdu came off the bench in the 68th minute for Dijon in their 1-1 draw with Guingamp. 

Italy

Julia Grosso remained out for Juventus due to her ankle injury; Juventus lost 1-0 to UC Sampdoria. Viens started for Roma in their 3-2 win over FCF Como 2000. Roma and Juventus finish the year first and second in the Serie A Femminile standings, respectively.

Portugal

Olivia Smith was not in Sporting CP’s squad for their 1-0 win over Martímo. Alidou started for Benfica in their 5-0 win over Vilaverdense.

Player of the Week: Adriana Leon

Goals: 3  (Leon x 2, Alidou x 1)

Assists: 1 (Leon x 1)