UWCL Standouts: Yohannes Shines, Russo Makes History in Latest Star Power Index

1. Lily Yohannes (OL Lyonnes)

Among the U.S. women’s national team players involved with UEFA Women’s Champions League clubs, OL Lyonnes midfielder Lily Yohannes stands out following a stellar performance against Inter Milan. Yohannes returned to the Star Power Index as part of a midfield trio with Melchie Dumornay and Damaris Egurrola that controlled the center of the pitch against the tournament newcomers.

Just before the hour mark, after Dumornay’s attempt was disallowed for a foul, the 19-year-old Yohannes reacted quickly to score a remarkable long-range lob over the goalkeeper. It marked her second chipped goal of the tournament, further strengthening OL Lyonnes’ already potent attack.

2. Wieke Kaptein (Chelsea FC)

Chelsea FC secured a defining 2-0 victory midway through the season, driven by a standout performance from Dutch international Wieke Kaptein. She dictated the match and elevated Chelsea’s intensity in the second half, with most attacking moves flowing through her as she picked out runners and found space between Roma’s defensive lines with incisive passes.

Kaptein provided both assists for goals by Ellie Carpenter and Kadeisha Buchanan, building on her match-winning goal against Austria Wien on matchday one. The win lifts Chelsea to seven points and places them among the top four in the league phase standings.

3. Gloria Marinelli (Servette FCCF)

Servette FCCF turned their Champions League fortunes around with a 5-1 victory over OH Leuven on matchday 3. Forward Gloria Marinelli set the tone before halftime, scoring in the 38th minute and again six minutes later despite OH Leuven creating several chances. Paola Hernandez and Joana Marchao also contributed to the scoreline, but Marinelli’s quick brace proved decisive.

The win marks Servette’s first of the competition and delivers three vital points at the halfway stage of the league phase.

4. Marie-Antoinette Katoto (OL Lyonnes)

While Lily Yohannes’ long-range effort against Inter Milan drew attention, Marie-Antoinette Katoto effectively decided OL Lyonnes’ victory. The forward opened the scoring and set the tone for a dominant performance. After a goalless draw with Chelsea on matchday 2, Katoto netted twice in the first half, moving to the top of the Golden Boot race with five goals and helping OL Lyonnes build a 14-goal differential in the league phase standings.

5. Alessia Russo (Arsenal)

Arsenal has faced questions about its ability to break down defenses recently, but Alessia Russo has provided the answers. The England international carried momentum from Arsenal’s North London derby win over Tottenham in the WSL into the UEFA Women’s Champions League, scoring three goals against Benfica. Her tally extends her scoring streak to seven goals across six matches for the Gunners.

Russo’s first Champions League hat trick included a 24th UWCL goal from the penalty spot, making her the all-time leading English scorer in the competition’s history and surpassing Fran Kirby’s previous record of 21 goals.

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