Barcelona is already in the quarter-finals of the Champions League. And he did it his way, as he best knows how to express himself, with a new victory (6-0) of those that take away the hiccups. He has no mercy on his rival and scores until he drops, one goal after another, one celebration after another. In the sixth and final match of the group stage, Jonatan Giráldez’s players returned to the Camp Nou before going on holiday. There was no attendance record, but there were plenty. With a total of 29 goals in the group stage, Barcelona become the side with the most goals in that stage, surpassing PSG (25 goals), who recorded the milestone last season.
The Galician coach wanted to mix seniority and new faces in the eleven and it worked well. Already classified for the next round, all that remained was to go first. Under the sticks he didn’t hesitate to eliminate Gemma Font and opted for Oshoala in the lead, who didn’t disappoint.
The goals came early at the Camp Nou. It is already customary to score in most matches in the opening minutes, but it was not up to Oshoala to score. After 63 days without seeing a goal in European competition, the Nigerian once again sent the ball into the back of goal. And he did it with two goals before closing the first half. The one who opened the can came after taking advantage of a clearance by goalkeeper Mukasa after a shot by Aitana. An appetizer because just six minutes later he attacked a lateral cross from Mariona at the far post and scored again. Smile and celebrations, Oshoala’s first goals at the Camp Nou in this European journey.
But Oshoala is not the only one inspired, always with Aitana in charge of operations, plays that recall Iniesta for his croquettes, even Laudrup for his passes with the opposite gaze to the receiver. A show that infected the Barça team, which barely let the Swedes breathe, who did not cross half the pitch until fifteen minutes into the match. Too much football for Rosengard, who barely manages to get out with the ball played from behind, unable to overcome the opposing pressure. Thus, before reaching the interval, the third goal fell, a lash from Mapi León on a free-kick, already an expert with these shots. The ball took effect and ended up passing the goalkeeper’s hands.
The Barça side did not reduce their intensity after the break and Rolfö showed after a back-heel pass from Aitana, followed by another goal from Marta Torrejón and a last from Paredes, a feast of goals. Already stuffed, the players slowed down a bit, satisfied to have possession and control of the duel, even the passage to the quarter-finals from the first group.
Giraldez players go on vacation with homework done. They continue in the fight to win the orejona and they do it as they know how: hitting. Rome, PSG or fearsome Lyon could be possible rivals for the next round which will resume in March.
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