BARCELONA, 2024, OCTOBER 16 – Defending champions FC Barcelona Femení secured their first three points in the UEFA Women’s Champions League with a sensational 9-0 win over Swedish champions Hammarby IF, marking the competition’s return to the Estadi Johan Cruyff. After a surprising defeat to Manchester City Women’s FC in their opening group-stage game, Pere Romeu‘s team responded emphatically, delivering a performance that re-established their European credentials.

From the first whistle, the Catalan side imposed their authority, with Caroline Graham Hansen (two goals and an assist) and Clàudia Pina (two goals) delivering standout performances. The visitors, overwhelmed by Barcelona’s relentless attack, struggled to contain the waves of pressure.
Strong Start and Total Control
The match began with an early scare for Barcelona, as goalkeeper Cata Coll made a crucial save in a one-on-one against Ellen Wangerheim in the opening minute. However, this moment only served to sharpen the hosts’ focus. Barcelona quickly found their rhythm, and dynamic play on the left side, involving Alexia Putellas, Fridolina Rolfö, and Clàudia Pina, created several early chances.
The breakthrough came in the 10th minute when Alexia’s perfectly weighted through ball found Caroline Graham Hansen. The Norwegian winger rounded the goalkeeper and calmly slotted in Barcelona’s first goal of this year’s Champions League campaign.
Barcelona’s dominance continued, and the second goal came in the 24th minute. After a brilliant play by Aitana Bonmatí and Graham Hansen, a rebound off Ewa Pajor fell to Clàudia Pina, who smashed it home. Just before halftime, Alexia added to the tally with a precise header from a Patri Guijarro cross, sending Barcelona into the break with a commanding 3-0 lead.

Second-Half Masterclass
The second half followed the same pattern, with Barcelona maintaining their high-intensity, pressing game. In the 53rd minute, Mapi León rose above the defense to head in from an Aitana cross, extending the lead to 4-0. Just five minutes later, Aitana once again played provider, setting up Pina for her second of the night, making it 5-0.

Hammarby, pinned in their own half, found no respite from Barcelona’s onslaught. Ewa Pajor finally got her moment, netting her first Champions League goal for the club in the 72nd minute, assisted by Graham Hansen. Just three minutes later, the Norwegian winger added her second of the night, taking the score to 7-0 after skilfully beating Hammarby’s goalkeeper.
Esmee Brugts then joined the scoring, firing a low shot from outside the box into the bottom corner in the 86th minute. The final blow came in stoppage time, when Fridolina Rolfö coolly converted a penalty to complete the 9-0 rout.

Barcelona Back on Track
The victory not only reaffirmed Barcelona’s status as one of the competition’s favourites but also served as a crucial confidence boost after the earlier setback. With seven different players contributing to the scoreline and over 80% possession, it was a performance that highlighted the depth and quality across the squad.

Speaking after the match, manager Pere Romeu praised his team’s response: “After last week’s result, we needed to show our character, and today the players delivered. This performance sets the tone for the rest of the competition.”
What’s Next for Barcelona?
Barcelona now turn their attention back to domestic action, where they will face Levante UD Femenino on Sunday in the seventh round of Liga F. In the Champions League, their next test will be against Austria’s St. Pölten on 12 November, once again at the Estadi Johan Cruyff, as they continue their quest for European glory.
GOALS:
Caroline Graham Hansen (10′, 75′), Clàudia Pina (24′, 58′), Alexia Putellas (45′), María León (53′), Ewa Pajor (72′), Esmee Brugts (86′), Fridolina Rolfö (90′ PEN)
FC BARCELONA FEMENÍ
13. Catalina Coll, 4. María ‘Mapi’ León (8. Marta Torrejón 76′), 9. Clàudia Pina (21. Keira Walsh 66′), 10. Caroline Graham Hansen, 11. Alexia Putellas (18. Francisca ‘Kika’ Nazareth 77′), 12. Patri Guijarro, 14. Aitana Bonmatí (24. Esmee Brugts 77′), 16. Fridolina Rolfö, 17. Ewa Pajor, 22. Ona Batlle, 23. Ingrid Engen (2. Irene Paredes 66′)
Unused Substitutes: 1. Gemma Font, 25. Ellie Roebuck, 5. Jana Fernàndez, 19. Vicky López, 20. Martina Fernández, 28. Alba Caño, 30. Sydney Schertenleib
HAMMARBY IF
1. Anna Tamminen, 2. Eva Nyström, 6. Asato Miyagawa (4. Thea Sørbo 64′), 7. Emilie Joramo (8. Ellen Gibson 84′), 11. Ellen Wangerheim, 17. Stina Lennartsson (31. Smilla Holmberg 64′), 18. Alice Carlsson, 19. Cathinka Tandberg (23. Emma Westin 73′), 20. Vilde Hasund (10. Smilla Vallotto 64′), 25. Jonna Andersson, 41. Julie Blakstad
Unused Substitutes: 29. Moa Edrud (GK), 9. Anna Jøsendal, 14. Bella Andersson, 16. Suzu Amano
Stadium: Estadi Johan Cruyff (4,915)