Barça Women Come From Behind to Beat Paris FC: Graham Hansen and Ewa Pajor Shine in Champions League Opener

Barcelona opened the new Women’s Champions League campaign with a convincing 5–1 victory over Paris FC, overcoming a sluggish start and a depleted squad at the Johan, according to match reports from outlets including La Vanguardia. Led by Graham Hansen and Ewa Pajor, the reigning champions erased an early deficit to secure three points in their opening fixture.

Champions League Defense Begins With a Resounding 5–1 Victory

A Depleted Roster Tests Coach Pere Romeu’s Thin Bench

The Catalan side entered the match missing seven players due to injuries and international duty.

Head coach Pere Romeu managed a thin bench that included Paredes, who was cleared to start despite limited preparation. The absences of Aitana, Aleixandri, Van Asten, Kika Nazareth, and Vicky López left the roster stretched thin as the team began its title defense.

Paris FC Capitalizes on Early Defensive Gaps

Paris FC capitalized on the makeshift lineup early.

In the fifth minute, Évelyne Viens broke through the Barcelona defensive line, exploiting space behind Paredes and Martina to fire past goalkeeper Cata Coll. The visiting side’s aggressive opening approach unsettled the hosts in the early stages.

Kerolin and Serrajordi Spark the Catalan Comeback

Barcelona leveled the score in the 18th minute. Claudia Pina delivered a precise pass between the lines to Kerolin, who converted her first Champions League goal since joining the club. Ten minutes later, Serrajordi put the hosts ahead by attacking a corner kick and finishing with a single touch.

Graham Hansen and Pajor Dominate the Scoresheet Before the Interval

Graham Hansen orchestrated much of the first-half offense.

Before the interval, the Norwegian winger drove to the baseline and cut the ball back for Pajor to tap in. Just before halftime, Graham Hansen added a long-range strike past Paris goalkeeper Chavas, extending the lead to 3–1.

Control Maintained Ahead of Upcoming Roma and Real Madrid Tests

The second half saw fewer attacking bursts, but Barcelona maintained control.

Pajor y Graham Hansen lideran la remontada del Barça ante el París — Photo: lavanguardia.com

Pajor capped a fluid team sequence involving a backheel from Schertenleib to score her second goal, making it 5–1.

The team travels to Italy next Wednesday to face Roma in the second matchday of the tournament, ahead of a fixture against Real Madrid at the Camp Nou on October 4.