Manchester United Women have secured a seeded position in the UEFA Women’s Champions League knockout phase play-offs following a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Juventus at the Allianz Arena in Turin. England international Jess Park scored the decisive goal early in the first half, curling a precise strike into the far corner to give Marc Skinner’s side the edge.
This result capped an impressive debut league phase campaign for United, who won four of their six group-stage matches, demonstrating they can compete with Europe’s elite despite being newcomers to the competition.
Jess Park Leads United to Victory
Park, a summer signing from Manchester City with prior Champions League experience, was at the heart of United’s attacking play throughout the match. She opened the scoring with an exquisite curling effort and continued to trouble Juventus’ defence with multiple shots and a promising breakaway before being substituted in the 72nd minute.
Melvine Malard also came close to extending United’s lead, but her efforts were deflected wide or saved by Juventus goalkeeper Pauline Peyraud-Magnin.
United’s Solid Performance and Squad Rotation
Marc Skinner’s squad displayed discipline, intensity, and tactical awareness, especially in the first half, despite a lack of squad depth compared to Juventus.
- Dominique Janssen replaced the injured Jayde Riviere at right-back, performing admirably while also supporting attacks from the flanks.
- The team’s rotation strategy during this busy period appears effective, with key players rested but the side maintaining high performance levels.
This win not only ensures a seeded draw for the two-legged knockout play-offs—giving United the advantage of playing the first leg at home—but also confirms the club’s ambitions in Europe during their debut season.
Juventus Push but Fall Short
Juventus, who entered the match in third place in the group table, tried to exploit United’s thinner squad in the second half.
- Denmark international Amalie Vangsgaard had the best opportunity for the Italian side early in the second half.
- Striker Terland was also denied a penalty late in the game after a challenge from captain Cecilia Salvai.
Despite their efforts, Juventus were unable to break down United’s defence and left Italy with nothing to show from the encounter.
Champions League Knockout Play-Offs
With both Manchester United and Juventus missing out on automatic quarter-final qualification (reserved for the top four teams of the 18 in the group stage), the teams will advance to the two-legged knockout play-offs.
- The draw takes place Thursday at 12:00 GMT.
- United will face either OH Leuven or Atletico Madrid in the play-offs.
- Matches are scheduled for 11-12 February and 18-19 February 2026.
What’s Next for United and Juventus
- Manchester United: Only one remaining game in 2025, a Women’s League Cup quarter-final against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday at 13:00 GMT.
- Juventus: Travel to Cesena for the Italian Women’s Cup last-16 match on Sunday, 21 December at 13:30 GMT.
Player of the Match
- Jess Park (Manchester United) – Average rating: 8.89
Other notable ratings:
Manchester United
- P. Peyraud-Magnin – 6.00
- E. Schatzer – 5.40
- L. Wälti – 5.00
- E. Kullberg – 4.89
Juventus
- C. Beccari – 4.88
- M. Harviken – 4.86
- A. Vangsgaard – 4.75
- E. Stølen Godø – 4.64
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