FC Barcelona continued their successful run in the Liga F with a narrow victory over Valencia CF Femenino on Sunday at Mestalla Stadium, securing their 13th win of the season with a score of 0-1. The only goal of the match came from Fridolina Rolfö, who converted a penalty just after the hour mark.
The team, led by coach Pere Romeu, faced off against the struggling Valencia, who has yet to win this season and currently sits at the bottom of the league. Despite dominating possession, Barcelona could not find their usual fluidity, particularly missing chances to extend their lead throughout the match.
Barcelona's victory, though hard-fought, was tempered by the injury of Caroline Graham Hansen. She had to leave the pitch early in the second half with muscle pains after only 15 minutes of play. Salma Paralluelo replaced her. The club later confirmed the injury as precautionary, fearing it might jeopardize her participation against Manchester City later this week.
Earlier, the match witnessed 7,900 spectators at Mestalla, where fans showed immense support for Valencia, who held firm against their Catalan opponents for extended periods. After Rolfö's penalty, chants of "Sí se puede" echoed from Valencia's fans, embodying their hopes of securing their first league victory.
Rolfö's penalty kick was awarded after Vicky López was fouled by Claudia Florentino inside the area. The foul came following López's promising run, showcasing the Barcelona forward’s threat throughout the match. Rolfö executed the penalty with precision, beating goalkeeper Andrea Canales.
Although Barcelona maintained their title-chasing momentum with the win, Gemma Font, Barcelona’s coach, remarked on the match's intensity, acknowledging, “El Valencia ha hecho un gran partido, me han dado trabajo y la gente apretaba en la grada.” She recognized Valencia's resilience and highlighted the need for her team to improve as they prepare for their Champions League clash.
Vicky López reflected on the match feeling somewhat disappointed, stating, “Nos sabe un poco mal acabar así la Liga en 2024... tenemos un reto importante la próxima semana.” Her comments emphasized the urgency to fine-tune their performance before facing City, as Barcelona must win by at least two goals to claim the top spot in their group.
For Valencia, the match represented another setback but also showcased their development under the coaching of Cristian Toro. Despite sitting at the league's bottom, Toro's side has shown glimpses of improvement, hinting at potential for higher placements if they continue to build on their performances.
Despite the loss, there was an air of positivity surrounding the stadium as the match also served as part of charitable efforts benefiting children affected by November's devastating storm, known as DANA. Fans participated by throwing stuffed toys onto the pitch just before kickoff.
Though they secured minimal points, Barcelona will return to training focusing on the challenges posed by Manchester City, with all eyes now on how they manage player fitness and form. Relying heavily on their depth and rotational plays, they exhibit the qualities expected of champions.
The match encapsulated the competitive spirit of Liga F, where every point counts, and surprises are always around the corner. With Barcelona now setting their sight on international glory, this encounter may serve as both preparation and wake-up call.
Expectations are high as LLuis Companys Stadium prepares for what promises to be another thrilling clash, with Barcelona aiming to establish themselves firmly on the continental stage.
