Barça Femení Start Champions League Campaign with 5-2 Win Over Paris FC

A Continental Title Defense Begins Under Strain

Severe Squad Limitations Test Pere Romeu

Operating under head coach Pere Romeu, Barcelona entered the fixture with severe squad limitations. According to reports from the Catalan press, Romeu had only 11 outfield players with first-team squad numbers available alongside three goalkeepers, bringing total absences to seven players on matchday. The fixture drew an official attendance of 2,574 spectators at the Johan Cruyff Stadium, an attendance figure impacted by public transport challenges following the final whistle.

Early Deficit Sparks a Resilient Response

The hosts found themselves behind early when Paris FC forward Kadeisha Viens opened the scoring. The opening moments also sparked concern when Clàudia Pina required medical treatment off the pitch, though the forward managed to continue without interruption. Despite the early setback and a depleted bench, Barcelona adhered to their tactical game plan and soon restored parity.

Brazilian forward Kerolin Nicoli provided the equalizer, converting a deep through-ball from Clàudia Pina to score her first official goal in a Barcelona shirt. Sourced reports note that the milestone carried significant weight for the forward, who arrived as the club’s most expensive signing at roughly around 1,2 millones de euros and faced early-season scrutiny.

Set Pieces and Dominant Second-Half Surge

Barcelona’s proficiency on set pieces proved decisive once again. Following sustained pressure from corner kicks, Graham Hansen delivered a cross to the far post where Clara Serrajordi capitalized on a lapse in marking to turn the scoreline around. Shortly after, Patri Guijarro engineered a long-range pass to Graham Hansen, who eluded her marker to set up Ewa Pajor for Barcelona’s third goal.

Pajor added a fourth following a long recovery and a long-range strike from Graham Hansen that caught the Paris defense off guard. The Norwegian forward capped off her afternoon by securing a brace, converting a cross from Lúa Arufe following a clever backheel build-up initiated by Sydney Schertenleib. Paris FC added a second goal through Clara Mateo before the match concluded at 5-2.

Tactical Adjustments Keep the Campaign on Course

The victory underscored Barcelona’s resilience on opening European nights. With regular starters sidelined—including Alexia Putellas, who missed the maximum European club competition for the first time in fifteen years, alongside Kika Nazareth and Vicky López due to right anterior rectus injuries—Romeu was forced into tactical adjustments. Irene Paredes returned straight to the starting lineup in central defense, while Schertenleib stepped in at right-back to fill the defensive gaps.

Barcelona continues its European campaign with the ultimate objective of reaching the tournament final, scheduled to take place in Warsaw on May 28, 29, or 30.