FC Barcelona proved their dominance once again by thumping UD Tenerife 6-2 on Saturday afternoon, securing their place in the quarterfinals of the Copa de la Reina. Although the result was overwhelming for the visitors, Nigerian international Gift Monday stood out by scoring her first-ever goal against the formidable Spanish giants.
This match was significant for Monday, who joined Tenerife from Nigerian club FC Robo Queens back in September 2022 and had faced Barcelona five times prior without finding the back of the net. Her goal not only marked her personal achievement but also highlighted the challenges UD Tenerife faced against the reigning champions.
Monday’s goal came at the 41st minute with her team trailing 2-0. Capitalizing on a precise long pass from teammate Pisco, she demonstrated her speed and skill by outpacing Barcelona defender Irene Paredes. With composure under pressure, she slotted the ball past Barcelona goalkeeper Cata Coll, reducing the deficit to 2-1. Her strike energized the home side, and soon after, Polish international Aleksandra Zaremba managed to equalize for Tenerife just before halftime, making it 2-2.
Despite the excitement generated from Monday's goal and Tenerife's equalizer, the second half saw Barcelona regroup and take complete control, scoring four unanswered goals. The Catalan side showcased their sheer talent and experience, reminding everyone of their status as Copa de la Reina champions.
Monday’s notable performance was also captured through numbers; her goal on Saturday was her second goal within two games of this Copa de la Reina campaign. Overall, she has now scored three goals across six appearances this season, contributing to her status as one of Tenerife's key players. Currently, she has netted four goals across 11 matches outcomes in the league, which has been pivotal to Tenerife's seventh-place standing within the Primera División Femenina.
Although UD Tenerife’s run in the Copa de la Reina came to an unfortunate end, Monday's performance against such high-caliber opponents offers her and her team something invaluable to build upon as they shift their focus back to the league campaign. The experience gained from facing Barcelona will surely serve as learning opportunities for the team going forward, and for Monday, her first goal against this legendary side signifies not just personal growth but also contributes to the narrative of her promising career.
With the scoreline sealed at 6-2, Barcelona will now look forward to the next phase of the tournament, demonstrating their status as formidable contenders. Meanwhile, Tenerife will regroup to tackle their upcoming matches with renewed determination, buoyed by moments of brilliance such as Monday's hard-fought goal.
