Barcelona are creating European football history, but anybody who believes we’re talking about the men’s squad is mistaken. In 2022, all eyes will be on the Blaugrana women, who are on the verge of winning the UEFA Champions League for the second time.
With nearly 91,000 fans at the Camp Nou, the squad, captained by the best in the world, Alexia Putellas, achieved history in women’s football and surpassed the attendance record twice. They did not disappoint on the field, thrashing their opponents. There is now just one match remaining to finalize their preference.
In pursuit of the European Championship
Barcelona have reached the final of the Champions League. The season has been fantastic for them, with nine victories in 10 games — the lone defeat came in the semi-final against Wolfsburg, following a 5-1 lead in the first game. Regardless, a 5-3 victory on aggregate was still good enough for them to progress.
There have been 37 goals scored, averaging 3.7 per match, with just seven goals conceded. The final commitment will be more difficult since Lyon are the most successful winners in tournament history (seven championships) and have a great squad.
The main decision will be made in Turin on May 21. On the road, the opponents had further obstacles, but they went past Juventus and PSG. Meanwhile, Barcelona come into the game as the favourites to win the title, having won their first trophy in 2021.
Victories prove superiority
The attacking strength of Barça’s ladies is undeniably impressive. They had seven victories by a margin of three or more goals. Their biggest win came over Hoffenheim during the group stage.
They brushed off Real Madrid and Wolfsburg in the playoffs, winning 5-2 and 5-1, respectively. Meanwhile, their numbers in La Liga are even more spectacular.
With 27 victories in 27 games, the club have clinched the crown with plenty of time to spare. At the same period, 146 goals have been scored and just eight have been conceded. This corresponds to 5.4 goals per match on average. What a farce!
Best in the world, Putellas should be top scorer in the Champions League
Alexia Putellas, who was named the best player in the world in 2021, is still in excellent form. With ten goals, the 28-year-old Catalan is tied for first place with Wolfsburg’s Tabea Wassmuth. She can’t be overtaken by Tabea who has already been eliminated.
Catarina Macario of Lyon is the closest player with seven goals. Only a spectacular outing can see her topple Putellas’ numbers, with the Barcelona star looking set for another best player award in 2022.
Barça are the first team in history to win the trophy twice. Lieke Martens, a Dutchwoman, was elected in 2017.
Sequence attendance records
Barcelona may not have won the title, but they left an indelible stamp on the history of women’s football. Two attendance marks for the modality were broken in the latest edition, with attendance exceeding 90,000 at Camp Nou.
In March, 91,553 fans witnessed Real Madrid defeat Barcelona in the quarterfinals by a score of 5 to 2. The celebration made headlines, but Blaugrana supporters gave it another go a few weeks later.
In the semifinals against Wolfsburg, 91,648 fans turned out to see the game, which resulted in another blowout (5-1). As a result, Barcelona boasts the two largest sporting crowds in women’s history.
Only the final of the 1999 Women’s World Cup, in which the United States defeated China on penalties, drew over 90,000 spectators. The Rose Bowl Stadium in California, USA, hosted 90,185 people.
More records are on the way at this pace!
