Barcelona Femeni’s fifth match of the season in Liga F was played against Atletico de Madrid. The league champions scraped a 1-0 victory away from home in what proved to be their most challenging game so far this season.
Barcelona were dominant for most of the game; however, both sides had periods where they both threatened to put themselves ahead during the game.
Finaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaal ⚽️💪!!! pic.twitter.com/a7oz2K63Ka
— FC Barcelona Femení (@FCBfemeni) October 15, 2023
First Half
Barcelona started the first half on the backseat as Atletico Madrid looked to take the lead very early in the game. The Catalan side, however, didn’t take long to get themselves back in the game with their usual possession-based football.
The half was quite evenly matched, as both sides kept each other at bay during the first 45 minutes. Barcelona came close to scoring with Mariona Caldentey, Ona Batlle, and Alexia Putellas all having attempts on goal; however, their shots were either off target or saved by the goalkeeper.
Mapi Leon was the recipient of a flailing elbow late in the half after a clash with an Atletico player in the Barcelona box. The defender got a nasty cut on her head and had to be taken off the pitch for a few minutes to receive medical attention.
The half ended in a stalemate between both teams as the referee blew the whistle for halftime.
Second Half
The second half proved more fruitful for Barcelona, as the team exerted their dominance on the game a lot stronger than in the first half.
Not so long after the restart, Patri Guijarro was handed the game’s first clear chance. However, the midfielder’s attempt at the near post was brilliantly saved by Gallardo in goal for Atletico.
A few minutes later, Barcelona broke the deadlock in the 51st minute of the game when Esmee Brugts found Patri Guijarro in space in the Atletico box. The midfielder, who saw her attempt saved earlier, then squared the ball into the path of Alexia Putellas, who slotted the ball into the back of the net.
The goal that happened to be the only goal of the game sent the Barcelona captain to the top of the list of all-time goalscorers for the club. Alexia Putellas is now one goal clear of Jennifer Hermoso, as she is currently on 182 goals.
Barcelona threatened to double their lead as the game progressed, and substitutes Salma Paralluelo and Asisat Oshoala came closest to scoring. The World Cup’s Young Player of the Tournament forced a save from the Atletico goalkeeper from 20 yards before sending her second attempt over the goal post.
However, the last ten minutes put Barcelona on the defense as Atletico kept attacking in an attempt to get their foot back in the game. Barcelona goalkeeper, Cata Coll was forced to make a save when faced with a one-on-one against Atletico forward Sheila. Shortly after, Coll was called upon again following a long range shot from Atletico player Santos.
Barcelona survived the scare of the final minutes and held on to their lone goal to record their fifth victory of the season. Barcelona will be in action again on October 21 when they face Granada at home in the Liga F.
