In the world of football, anticipation often builds before the first whistle. For FC Barcelona Femeni fans, the wait for the first match of the season felt even longer due to unexpected player strikes. However, when the day finally arrived, the anticipation was met with jubilation as the Catalan team emerged victorious with a 2-0 win in an away match against Madrid CFF, securing a 2-0 victory.
Goals from Caroline Graham Hansen and Asisat Oshoala secured the three points for the Blaugrana in their season opener.
Now, let’s delve into the player ratings and dissect how each player performed in Madrid CFF 0-2 FC Barcelona Femeni.
Cata Coll: 7
Fresh off an impressive showing in the just concluded 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, Barcelona Femeni started between the goalposts. Throughout the match, she had little to do as Madrid CFF struggled to create significant scoring opportunities. Cata Coll maintained her composure and never really looked troubled, making it a quiet day for her.
Lucy Bronze: 7.5
The experienced defender started the game with a bang, delivering a dangerous cross into the box in the opening minute that nearly resulted in a goal. Bronze not only excelled offensively but also demonstrated her defensive prowess. She won back possession effectively when she lost the ball and managed to mark and contain Kundananji. However, it’s worth noting that she received a yellow card during the match.
Irene Paredes: 7.5
known for her reliability in defense, didn’t disappoint. She stood firm in the backline, thwarting Madrid CFF’s counterattacks and through balls. Paredes showcased her defensive prowess with 2 clearances, 2 blocked shots, and 1 interception, a ground duel and two aerial duels won.
Mapi Leon: 7.5
Mapi Leon’s impact on the game was evident from the start. Her well-taken corner early in the match caused problems for Madrid CFF’s defense. Throughout the game, Leon contributed to the team’s attack with precise passes and excellent crosses into the opposition box. Her defensive contributions included 1 clearance and 1 interception. Notably, she created 1 big chance and completed 4 accurate crosses out of 8 attempts.
Ona Batlle: 8.5
Ona Batlle made her presence felt as she played through the left-back position. She confidently drove down the left wing, delivering dangerous crosses into the box and creating goal-scoring opportunities. Batlle fit seamlessly into the team, despite it being her debut for the garnet and blue. Her standout moment was an exquisite assist to Asisast Oshoala for Barcelona Femeni’s second goal. With 2 key passes, 1 big chance created, and 1 assist, Batlle was instrumental in the victory.
Batlle’s pinpoint assist to Oshoala for the second goal demonstrated her understanding of her teammates’ movements. She also forced a save from the Madrid CFF keeper with a well-taken shot in the second half.
Aitana Bonmati: 7
Aitana Bonmati had a relatively quiet first half, struggling to get much involvement with the ball. However, she maintained composure and kept things tidy. Although she didn’t impact the game as much as she would have liked, her presence was felt.
Ingrid Engen: 8
Ingrid Engen came close to opening the scoring with a header, narrowly missing the target. She played a vital role in the middle of the park, providing passing options and dropping deep to receive balls. Engen’s defensive contributions were equally impressive, as she won crucial duels for the team. Her stats included 4 out of 5 ground duels won, 2 out of 3 aerial duels won, 1 clearance, 1 interception, 4 tackles, and 2 key passes.
Her ability to provide passing options, defensive coverage, and crucial duels won demonstrated her value to the team.
Patri Guijarro: 7.5
Patri Guijarro intercepted balls effectively and worked tirelessly to regain possession for the team in the opposition half. Although she didn’t see much of the ball to influence the game significantly, Guijarro held her own in her position. Guijarro’s performance was solid, considering her limited time on the ball.
Caroline Graham Hansen: 8
Caroline Graham Hansen dazzled on the forward line, fluidly rotating positions with her teammates. Her beautiful finish opened the scoring, leaving the Madrid CFF goalkeeper with no chance to react. Graham Hansen’s creativity shone through with 1 big chance created, 7 out of 18 accurate crosses, 6 key passes, and 1 shot on target.
Alexia Putellas: 7
Alexia Putellas took on the role of the number 9, pressing relentlessly for the team. Although she missed a couple of chances, her efforts couldn’t be faulted. Her header from Aitana’s cross was inches away from opening the scoring in the second half. Later in the game, she dropped into midfield.
Claudia Pina: 7.5
Claudia Pina’s dynamic presence in the attack was a continuous threat to Madrid CFF. She alternated between left and central positions, posing a continuous goal threat. Her footwork and precise pass assisted in the opening goal scored by Caroline Graham Hansen. Pina’s dynamic presence added depth to Barcelona’s attack before she was substituted for Mariona Caldentey. Her performance was marked by a solid 1 assist.
Substitutes
- Mariona Caldentey: Not rated – Mariona played through the left-wing forward position and combined effectively with Ona Batlle on the left wing, although she didn’t have many opportunities to impact the game.
- Marta Torrejon: Not rated – Marta held her position well but didn’t have significant involvement in the game.
- Asisat Oshoala: 7.5 – Asisat Oshoala was brought on as a substitute, and she wasted no time in making her presence felt. Within minutes of entering the game, she found the back of the net, scoring a crucial goal to seal the win.
- Bruna Vilamala: Not rated – Bruna was brought in late in the game and contributed with her energetic pressing but didn’t have much else to do.
- Esmee Brugts: Not rated – Esmee made her Barcelona Femeni debut late in the game but had limited involvement.
FC Barcelona Femeni began their season on a high note with a 2-0 victory over Madrid CFF. The team displayed resilience and a well-rounded performance, with standout contributions from Ona Batlle and Caroline Graham Hansen.
Stay tuned for more exciting matches and updates from the world of FC Barcelona Femeni, and check out the match’s live commentary here:
