FC Barcelona’s unbeaten streak comes crashing down in a tangled tie with Levante UD, International players depart to be with their countries
Death. Taxes. Wins. Losses. Ties. In life, these are the lessons that we are not taught but rather learned by experienced. Similarly, FC Barcelona Femení went from a season high of 16 straight league wins in a row while dealing out cards of self-confidence, to suddenly falling down the tie drain. Now we know it’s not the end of the world, but change is inevitable no matter who you are or what you are. For FCB Femení, change came in the form of an Alba Redondo goal in the 55th minute playing at Estadi Johan Cruyff. Barcelona had previously netted a goal with the help of steadfast Salma Paralluelo, and Redondo’s contribution for UD Levante left the final score at 1-1. This ultimately does not affect the season in any drastic way, as FCB Femení stand loud and proud atop the Liga F table nine points above second place Real Madrid. Most recently on Sunday, February 18th the Culers hosted the other Madrid maestros, Atletico de Madrid. Current Atletico player and Champions League winner with Barcelona Ana-Maria Crnogorcevic received a standing ovation from the crowd while Salma Paralluelo and 17-year-old viceroy Vicky López secured a Blaugrana victory.
Even though the grass at Estadi Johan Cruyff gets to take a weekend off and a fresh trim from the gardeners, a handful of our roster got to hop on a plane to reunite with their national team selections. For Spain, goalkeeper Cata Coll; defenders Ona Batlle & Irene Paredes; midfielders Aitana Bonmatí & Vicky López; forwards Mariona Caldentey, Salma Paralluelo, previous player Jennifer Hermoso and Alexia Putellas who has trained separately from Las Rosas still recovering from injury. For England, defender Lucy Bronze & midfielder Keira Walsh will suit up in red and white under Sarina Wiegman. For Norway, Ingrid Syrstad Engen & Caroline Graham Hansen arrived up north in warm bundles of clothes. Last, but not least Dutch tulip Esmee Brugts must switch gears and face eight of her club teammates on Friday, 23rd for the Netherlands. Lots of football to look forward. to in the UEFA Women’s Nations League and international friendlies, may the best teams win.
