At the first attempt. FC Barcelona Femení made no mistake and thanks to a 1–4 derby win away to RCD Espanyol Femení, they were crowned league champions for the seventh consecutive time. With a heavily rotated starting XI, keeping the Champions League in mind, Pere Romeu’s side still had more than enough to overcome their city rivals and reaffirm their dominance in Spanish football.
The “law of the ex”
With an average age of just over 22 and as many as four reserve-team players involved, alongside more established youngsters like Aïcha, Serrajordi and Sidney, Barça made their intentions clear from the outset. In one of the first attacks, Caroline Graham Hansen broke forward and, after linking up with Sidney, found Carla Julià in space, who scored against her former club with a precise low finish into the far corner.
Penalty leveller
The goalscorer continued to be a threat down the left, while Graham Hansen caused havoc on the right. Espanyol defended as best they could and looked to break through Browne. After chances for Sydney and Aïcha, a penalty was suddenly awarded to the hosts. Browne drew the foul from Marta Torrejón, and Balleste sent Cata Coll the wrong way with a central strike on 28minutes.
Graham again
But the newfound equality lasted just a couple of minutes. Serrajordi threaded a superb pass through to Graham Hansen, who finished with class past Salvador. The scoreline at half-time could have been even better if Rosalía, making her league debut, had converted a third, but the game remained very much open.
Fenger brace seals it
Espanyol tried to push forward early in the second half, but Barça soon put the game beyond doubt. Another run from Carla Julià ended with a driven cross that Fenger turned in with her chest. With a two-goal cushion, and the introduction of more experienced players such as Alexia, Patri and Pina, Barça were able to slow the tempo and take control.
Cata Coll also produced an excellent save to deny Browne during a brief spell of Espanyol pressure. But the young Barça players were far from done. They combined again for the fourth goal, Carla Julià providing the assist and Fenger finishing once more with clinical precision.
Champs since 2020
Seven in a row, and eleven in total, for a team that plays with joy and makes others enjoy the game… and still wants more. This Saturday they will look to take a strong result at the Allianz Arena in the first leg of the Champions League semi-finals.
But for the moment they can celebrate an extension to an uninterrupted since 2020 of domestic titles!
MATCH STATS
Espanyol: 1
Barça: 4
Espanyol: Salvador; Botero (Caracas 62′), Ari Domènech, Amaia, Vallejo, Perea; Baradad (Judit Pablos 68′), Balleste (Júlia Guerra 82′), Cris Baudet (Arana 82′), Naima (Amores 62′); Browne.
Barça: Cata Coll; Aïcha (Llorella 76′), Marta, Ranera, Carla Julià; Serrajordi, Sydney (Patri 63′), Kika (Alexia 63′); Graham Hansen (Vicky 46′), Fenger i Rosalía (Pina 63′).
Goals: 0-1, Carla Julià (min. 2); 1-1, Laia Balleste (min. 28, de penal); 1-2, Graham Hansen (min. 30); 1-3, Fenger (min. 56); 1-4, Fenger (min. 83)
Referee: Ainara Acevedo. Yellow for Amaia Martínez (Espanyol), and Marta & Carla Julià (Barça).