VALENCIA, 2024, OCTOBER 20 – FC Barcelona Femení continued their perfect start to the Liga F season, securing their seventh win in seven games by defeating Levante UD Femenino 4-1 at the Ciutat de València. Goals from Vicky López, Kika Nazareth, Clàudia Pina, and Irene Paredes ensured the Blaugranas remained top of the table heading into the international break.
A Hard-Fought First Half
The match began with Levante pushing early, with a chance in the 5th minute when Érika González set up Ivonne Chacón, who failed to convert while one-on-one with goalkeeper Cata Coll. Barça, wearing their third strip for the first time, struck first in the 12th minute. Kika Nazareth threaded a pass to Vicky López, who coolly finished past Andrea Tarazona to give the visitors the lead.
Levante, undeterred, found their equaliser in the 23rd minute. Daniela Arqués latched onto a ball at the edge of the box and fired home after it rebounded off the post, bringing the score to 1-1.
Barça had to work hard to regain control, and they did so when Kika scored her first goal for the club in the 36th minute. Clàudia Pina, who played a crucial role in Barça’s attacking movements, provided the assist with a deft pass that Kika volleyed home. The first half ended with Barcelona holding a slim 2-1 lead.
Second Half: Barça Pull Ahead
Barça wasted no time in extending their lead after the break. Just two minutes into the second half, Pina was again involved, reacting quickly to a rebound off the bar from Kika’s header to slot the ball home for 3-1. Levante fought bravely, but the third goal effectively ended their challenge.
Tarazona and María Alharilla both made crucial defensive interventions to keep the scoreline respectable, but Barça’s dominance continued as they pressed for more. Ewa Pajor and Vicky López had opportunities to score, but the final blow came in the 81st minute when Irene Paredes rose above the defense to head in a Mapi León corner, sealing the 4-1 victory.
Final Whistle
With this result, Barça not only maintained their 100% record in the league but also saw Fridolina Rolfö celebrate her 100th appearance for the club. Levante, despite their valiant efforts, fell to a stronger opponent but can take pride in their resistance.
Barça’s seventh consecutive win leaves them top of the Liga F with 21 points, heading into the international break with momentum firmly on their side.
VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS:
GOALS:
Daniela Arqués (23’); Vicky López (12’), Kika Nazareth (36’), Clàudia Pina (47′), Irene Paredes (81’)
LEVANTE UD FEMENINO
1. Andrea Tarazona, 2. Teresa Mérida, 3. Estela Carbonell (20. Raiderlin Carrasco 84‘), 4. María Molina, 8. Ainhoa ‘Bascu’ Bascuñán (6. Paula Fernández 78′), 10. Érika González (7. Ana Franco 78′), 14. Daniela Arqués, 16. Anissa Lahmari (15. María Gabaldón 78′), 17. María Alharilla, 21. Anna Torrodà (23. Núria Escoms 89′), 24. Ivonne Chacón
Unused Substitutes: 13. Emma Holmgren, 36. Anna Alvarez, 5. Eva Alonso
FC BARCELONA FEMENÍ
13. Catalina ‘Cata’ Coll, 2. Irene Paredes, 4. María ‘Mapi’ León, 8. Marta Torrejó (20. Martina Fernández 82′), 9. Clàudia Pina (12. Patri Guijarro 62′), 10. Caroline Graham Hansen (17. Ewa Pajor 62′), 11. Alexia Putellas, 18. Francisca ‘Kika’ Nazareth, 19. Vicky López (5. Jana Fernàndez 76′), 21. Keira Walsh, 24. Esmee Brugts (16. Fridolina Rolfö 61′)
Unused Substitutes: 1. Gemma Font, 22. Ona Batlle, 23. Ingrid Engen, 28. Alba Caño
STADIUM: Ciutat de Valencia (12,269)