It’s been a long time coming, but after an accelerating summer Olympics campaign and flash-bang start of the domestic Liga F season, Barcelona Femení are on a roll. Having played four matches against the likes of Granada, Real Sociedad, Sevilla, and Deportivo de La Coruña since September, the Blaugrana tribe stands sturdy atop the Spanish league table, with 12 points shared with nemesis Real Madrid. That record is on pace to continue dominating league play, nothing new for a team of champions. With the likes of new addition Ewa Pajor making major on-field connections with Caroline Graham Hansen, Salma Paralluelo, Aitana Bonmatí, and Alexia Putellas, team chemistry seems as easy as one two three.
Traveling within the Spanish borders for both home and away games is not the only adventure on the Barcelona Femení agenda. Being reigning European Women’s champions comes with a chip on their shoulders. Most of the world’s women’s best clubs; including Chelsea FC and Arsenal from England, Wolfsburg and Bayern Munich from Germany, Olympique Lyonnais and Paris Saint-Germain from France, Roma and Juventus from Italy have their international eyes on the silver trophy prize. That’s right, the UEFA Women’s Champions League is back. Not only known for its elite level of skill and exceptional play, the UEFA Women’s Champions League gives women’s football a major platform and media attention/interest similar to the men. And this season, Barcelona Femení have been lucky enough to draw rowdy and ready competitors. In the group are England’s Manchester City, Sweden’s Hammarby, and Austria’s SKN St. Pölten. This stage is considered group play, so for each group, the top two teams in the end will qualify for a playoff bracket against top two teams from separate groups.
Every finish line indicates the beginning of a new race, and FC Barcelona’s first hurdle is Manchester City. Manchester City hails from the north of England, with prestigious men’s and women’s programs known worldwide. The men’s team boasts head coach Pep Guardiola, who just so happens to be an FC Barcelona legend himself. Roots run deep, and Manchester City women also made moves of their own this summer. With the addition of Dutch striker Vivianne Miedema and a defense already comprised of former Culers Leila Ouahabi and Laia Aleixandri, the challenge has been accepted. Ouahabi was actually on the field during the last time England’s best took on Spain’s superstars. The result on March 31st, 2021 is a bittersweet memory as FC Barcelona narrowly lost 2-1. Yet, despite this one result, Barcelona Femení went on to win the entire UEFA Women’s Champions League in May 2021 vs Chelsea Women. The goal is to do it again and challenge is set for Wednesday, October 9th.
¡Olé!
