Most, if not all created problems also have the potential to create solution. How do the inextinguishable Barcelona Femeni redeem their flame after one bad game?
“It’s not about October, it’s not about the league. We were not at our best today… We didn’t have our best performance and we need to improve it.” Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmatí did not shy away from her frustrations after full time, as an astounding 2-0 performance left Barcelona Femeni on a rare side of the losing coin. Not just Aitana, but felt throughout the whole Spanish side was a sense of disappointment and doubt as this match marked Barcelona’s second loss over a span of 55 competitive matches. World ranked #1, world class talent, worldwide recognition, with the world waiting for a fall from grace. Glory came for opponents Manchester City, who admittedly, were the better team that day. As the UEFA Women’s Champions League signifies a new season of competition, so do the chances of change.
In a previous article published by Blaugranagram, author Hans Mickey details each “ooh” and “ahh” during play-by-play game action with a splendid summary. As much as numbers matter in football, statistics don’t lie. This article will further dive into game data. Those who are familiar with Barça’s style of play for the men’s, women’s and academy teams know that possession is key. The more one team retains the ball, the better. With players forming triangle and diamond shapes on the field, “tiki-taka” is almost hot potato, onwards and upwards until there is an opportunity to shoot on goal. Time after time, smart enough defenses will know what to expect and how to stop that cycle. Meaning, Manchester City were ready.
Lining up with four defenders in the back and three midfielders both experienced and young, Manchester City held an impressive 81% passing accuracy with 411 completed passes and 60% tackle rate against the gallant giants. Recently acquired Dutch international Vivianne Miedema, who is the all-time top goalscorer for the Netherlands, contributed in the middle to build up to the top. Barcelona won only 36% of aerial duels during 90 minutes of play, compared to Manchester City’s 63%. Ultimately, these factors made an impact on how the game was played and who ended up taking control in the end. 11 fouls committed did not help the Culers’ case.
Up front, English ace Lauren Hemp charged the wing at super speed, possibly the fastest sideline sprinter in Europe. That meant that Barcelona defender Ona Batlle had her work cut out for her early, leaving center back pair Mapi Leon and Ingrid Engen to do the dirty work against a hailstorm of attack. Manchester City’s biggest forward is Khadija “Bunny” Shaw, who towers over opponents at 1.82m tall with 21 goals scored during the 2023/24 domestic league tenure. That proved to be true with 10 total shots, 9 offside calls, and one corner kick. Ultimately, Barça’s goalkeeper Cata Coll couldn’t catch them all. Even with 16 shots for the Culers, Man City stood unbreakable.
Listed above are individual player rankings on a point system based on 10, and it just so happened to be one of those days where nothing seemed to go right for anybody. Only thing “left” to do is try, try, again. Head coach Pere Romeu and the Barcelona coaching staff certainly need to convene and confer on a different approach, whether that be with tactics, formation, mentality or motivation. Caroline Graham Hansen and Mapi Leon both hold a yellow card, meaning in the next matchup against Manchester City (December 18) they will have to approach with caution. Luckily this situation is not a one game elimination UEFA Women’s Champions League Final, which Barcelona are experienced in, and redemption is possible with a victory over 2 goals in the next meeting. Until then, back to the board room and then Barcelona!
