Barcelona Femeni eased into the finals of the Copa de la Reina after defeating Athletic Club 3-1 in the second leg of their semifinal clash. The Catalan giants had already secured a 3-0 win in the first leg of the encounter, placing the scoreline aggregate at 6-1 by the end of the second leg.
Barcelona scored their first goal in the 19th minute courtesy of Mariona Caldentey. The Spanish forward benefitted from a rue back pass and headed straight for the opposition goal where she fired a shot right at the goalkeeper. The goalie’s save however resulted in a loose ball and Mariona Caldentey finished on her second try.
The game continued with Barca Femeni in total dominance, keeping possession of the ball. However, the game was void of goalscoring opportunities for either side and the half ended 1-0 in favor of the Blaugrana.
The game proceeded in similar fashion in the second half until Athletic Club scored an equalizer in the second half. The Basque team broke free on the flank in the 63rd minute and a low cross onto the box was struck with enough venom to put the ball beyond Sandra Panos in Barcelona’s goal.
Barcelona responded to the opposition’s goal and retained their lead in the 72nd minute. Athletic Club failed to clear their lines after a Barcelona cornerkick resulting in an headed pass towards the edege of the box. Patri Guijarro was right in position to fire a half-volley that saw the ball squirm beneath the goalkeeper for Barcelona’s second goal.
Esmee Brugts put the game beyond doubt for the Bluagrana in the 86th minute rising higher than anyone in the box to score a beautiful header form a Barcelona cross.
The game ended 3-1 on the night and 6-1 on aggregate in favor of Barcelona Femeni, who have now qualified for the final of the competition where they will face Real Sociedad for the Spanish domestic title.
