FC Barcelona take a tumble

To be the best means surviving the rest. And with a 6 year winning streak, including remaining undefeated at their new home the Estadi Johan Cruyff, Barcelona Femení finally came crumbling down in textbook fashion against 15th ranked Levante in Liga F.

How does one describe perfection, if perfection is simply the build up of a new flaw? Nothing lasts forever, although Barcelona Femení surely made an extraordinary unbeaten run. Since 2019, the Blaugrana blue and red had defended their home stadium proudly and victoriously, not conceding defeat in front of fans, friends, and family alike. 46 successful consecutive matches in an unruly, unpredictable sport such as football surely defies mathematical odds and computer statistics. But it is safe to assume that Barcelona Femení are just built differently with a winner’s mentality, divine development and a player pool of incandescent talent. For that reason, former head coach Jonatan Giráldez claimed 10 trophies with the club in a span of just about three years. The last time Barcelona Femení were humbly overpowered was during an end of the season match on May 21, 2023, traveling away to face Madrid CFF, and resting key starters in preparation for the UEFA Women’s Champions League. So, in a way, Barcelona still secured every title available that year minus one more loss on their domestic record.

Recently, new head coach Pere Romeu, seen as Giráldez’s successor, has been criticised for his inflexible tactics and lack of rotation among some of the world’s best players. In the fault of this error, including an injury to midfielder Patri Guijarro and recent departure of Keira Walsh, Barcelona Femení finally reached the peak of perfection. In an embarrassing and rare defeat to 15th ranked Levante, Femení suffered a 2-1 loss on February 1st, even with 79% ball possession during the match including an astounding 47 shots at Levante’s net. Even with a goal in the 95th minute from Fridolina Rolfö to quench the burn, Levante came roaring back to humble the giants.

From now on until the end of the season, Barça’s record will include one little slip up, although still remain #1 overall in Liga F rankings, 5 points clear of #2 seeded Real Madrid. The team will focus on retaining further victories, including a semi-final clash for the Catalunya Cup tonight vs SE AEM, or “Secció Esportiva Associació Ex-Alumnes Maristes Lleida”, a fellow Catalan club who participate in the 2nd division of Spanish women’s football. Onwards and upwards.