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Every game between Barcelona and Atlético de Madrid is synonymous with intensity, excitement and classicism. The Colchoneras wanted revenge for the Culé victory in the first leg, in which Alexia Putellas – now in the eye of the hurricane after being called up for Spain – became the Blaugrana club's top scorer. The opportunity for the Rojiblancas was clear: the calendar puts a strain on Barça's legs, and last Wednesday they stumbled against Levante, which was the culés' first draw in 80 games at the Johan Cruyff Stadium. But the team led by Jonatan Giráldez mobilized its remaining reserves and faced the red-white power with even greater vehemence to return to winning ways on matchday 18 of the F-League (2-0).
FCBFFC Barcelona Women
2
Cata Coll, Ingrid Engen, Ona Batlle, Irene Paredes, Lucy Bronze, Patri Guijarro, Aitana Bonmatà, Clúdia Pina, Salma Paralluelo, Esmee Brugts and Caroline Graham Hansen
ATMF Atlético de Madrid Femenino
0
Lola Gallardo, Sheila García, Carmen Menayo, Cinta Rodriguez, Ainhoa Moraza, Gaby García, Vilde Bøe Risa, Xènia Pérez, Ludmila, Rasheedat Ajibade and Eva Navarro
Goals 1-0 min 38: Salma Paralluelo. 2:0 minutes. 75: Vicky Lopez.
referee Olatz Rivera Olmedo
Yellow cards Lucy Bronze (min. 44) and Ana-Maria Crnogorcevic (min. 54)
The silence – despite the 5,289 people filling the stands of the Johan Cruyff Stadium in the best opening period of the season – strained the atmosphere of a game that promised intensity – and delivered. The respect between both teams was anchored on the pitch: both knew that the game could go wrong for either of them at any time and in any way. Therefore, Barcelona tried to intercept balls in the middle of the field and in defense and tried in attack through the wings of Ona Batlle and Graham Hansen, but without finding the goal under the sticks of a decisive Lola Gallardo.
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Atlético were electric, forcing tackles, sending one of Claudia Pina's shin pads flying and Ajibade involuntarily trampling on captain Patri Guijarro's chest. The Colchoneras repeated the formula from the first leg: retreat energetically to defend, go all out in attack with quick transitions. But Barcelona relied on their memory and successfully adapted to the rhythm set by their rival until they felt comfortable. Aitana Bonmatà ended the density on the field and the presence of the red and white players on the Barça field began to dwindle.
And with a joint recovery from Hansen and Patri Guijarro and a pass from the young Esmee Brugts to the sprinter Salma Paralluelo, the game began: The national player from Zaragoza scored her ninth goal of the season in the league with moderation and calm within a few minutes before the break. In the second half, Atlético couldn't find a chance, not even with the departure of former Azulgrana player Ana-Maria Crnogorcevic from the bench. And Barcelona continued their relentless search for second place. There was no longer any silence in the Johan: the fans cheered on their team, and the very young Vicky López – who was called up to the senior national team in the Nations League – did the honors with another goal. The supporting player moved freely around the pitch and was already used to wearing the first team jersey.
The victory restores Barcelona's calm in the league, which is the undisputed leader with 52 points – which they have never completely lost. As Manolo Cano's team moves away from Europe, they sit fifth in the table, seven points from the Champions League ticket places and 20 from first place.
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