Schertenleib Stellar in Barça Femení’s Triumph over AEM in Lleida

A little known tournament and even less regular, Copa Catalunya presented Pere Romeu with a unique chance to test the strength of his reserves. Sure enough, they came through big, at a time the coach has been under some pressure, real and imagined. Here is how it went.

Following last weekend’s unexpected tumble in the league, FC Barcelona headed to Lleida knowing full well that there is nothing such as a routine match in football. Even if that is against Secció Esportiva AEM Femení, long form for SE AEM, a women’s football team currently playing in the Primera Federación (women). That meant they had to bring business.

One of the stars of the show, maybe one that shone brightest in the Camp d’Esports, was Sydneyjoy Schertenleib. The Swiss youngster is known for versatility, a high ceiling with regards to potential and of course, having been approached by FC Barcelona via Instagram DMs.

Schertenleib started in midfield, alongside fellow B teammates Alba Caño, Celia Segura, Judit Pujols, and Ona Baradad. For balance, the coach started a few first team members, playfully touted as the chaperones of the ‘school trip’ to Lleida. Making sure the kids played nice.

That they did because it wasn’t long into the match before Barça started knocking notably through Celia Segura. In the 25th minute, Ewa Pajor, Segura’s partner in attack, opened the account for Barça, assisted by none other than Sydneyjoy Schertenleib.

Schertenleib integrated well into the team, both tactically and aesthetically. After a lot of tactical criticism for what in general was summed up as a poor performance in the pivot (6) position against Levante UD, Ingrid Engen seemed to thrive with Schertenleib by her side. 

Close to halftime, Schertenleib would open an account of her own, controlling the ball beautifully onto her dominant right foot before placing it into the far right corner, completely out of reach from the AEM goalkeeper.

The second half would see more changes, with Brugts, Vicky, Jana and Pina from the first team joining the show, followed by a string of Barça Femení B members and first team aspirants.

Aïcha Camara, a right back with the B team was one of the standouts to come from the bench. Perhaps amplified by the noteworthy lack of depth in Barça’s first team defense line. Camara displayed great attacking instincts and a natural defense awareness.

Claudia Pina more than applied finishing touches to the job with 2 goals, an assist, along with the added bonus of captaining this side for only a second time since graduating to the first team. Esmee Brugts then followed Pina’s act, applying the proverbial final nail in the dying minutes of the game with a rocket of a goal reminiscent of her 2023 World Cup exploits.

Pere Romeu most likely exhausted the complete list of 10 B team players he called up and they got the job done in style. The final score was 6-0 and perhaps may serve as temporary gauze for the criticism he has faced – including but not limited to not trusting the reserve team players. Barça are on to the final, which is yet to be scheduled.