FC Barcelona Femeni took on Chelsea FC Women at Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon in the UEFA Women’s Champions League semi-final. The game at Stamford Bridge saw Barcelona win by a single goal.
Let’s take a look at how well the players performed in this important semi-final tie.
There was a lot to play for in the first game of the double-tie knockout match. With the visiting team hoping to get the job half done in the away stadium.
The Barça Femeni coach fielded the same team that played last weekend league match, with only two changes to the starting lineup. Vicky Lopez is out for Salma Paralluelo, and Marta Torrejón out for Lucy Bronze in defense.
It was a thrilling match that produced exciting entertainment for fans of both clubs and even for neutral fans alike.
While clear-cut goal-scoring opportunities were far and few between both teams, the technical quality, coupled with the lone goal the game produced made for an exciting display.
The match finished with a close and exciting score line of 0-1. Caroline Graham Hansen headlined the game with her lone goal in this first leg.
Player Ratings
Sandra Paños – 7
The Catalan club number 1 did fair well, making 3 saves, one from inside the box, and completing 75 percent of her passes. Making quick runs out to intercept some balls.
Lucy Bronze – 7.2
Before being substituted, with 1 clearance off the line, 1 interception, and 1 blocked shot, 6 out of 8 aerial duels won and 2 out of 3 ground duels won. The right-back played an important role in defense against the London team’s counter-attacks.
Irene Parades – 7.5
Solid in defense and very well-positioned all through the game. Making interception and clearance to shut off Chelsea’s attack.
Mapi León – 7.3
Did well in defense and helped the team with her ball-playing abilities.
Fridolina Rolfö – 6.9
The Swedish fullback was caught out a time or two in the first half of the game, but recovered well in the second half, contributing to the team’s attack with her persistent run-in, dribbles, and long passes.
Aitana Bonmatí – 6.9
The attacking midfielder did not get as much space to dictate the tempo of the game as she usually does and was well-marked throughout the game.
Keira Walsh – 7
The England international was solid in midfield, halting and intercepting the opposition’s attacking play.
Patri Guijarro – 6.5
Not up to the mark offensively, however, she covers well in defense and helps well in retaining possession.
Caroline Graham Hansen – 8
The MVP, Caroline Hansen Graham was the best player on the pitch. She scored the only goal of the game, she also had 2 shots on target and completed 5 out of 8 attempted dribbles.
Geyse Ferreira – 6.8
Did well with her take-ons, completing 3 out of 3 attempted dribbles, and having 2 shots on target. She was isolated in attack for most parts of the game.
Salma Paralluelo – 7
The youngster was always running, making herself available as an attacking option whenever Barcelona had the ball. However, she wasn’t picked out as much as she would have liked and this reduced her impact on the game. Did quite well in attack.
SUBSTITUTES
Mariona Caldentey – 6.7
The Barcelona number 9 was everywhere, dropping in deep to collect the balls, making runs, and making it difficult for the Chelsea team toward the end of the game with her intelligent mobility.
Marta Torrejón – 6.9
Almost came close to scoring by hitting the woodwork. Supported the team well in attack and set pieces.
Ana Maria Crnogorcevic
Did not play enough minutes to be rated.
Ingrid Syrstad Engen
Did not play enough minutes to be rated.
Asisat Oshoala
Did not play enough minutes to be rated.
