Alexia deals cards and assists before visiting Madrid

Sant Joan DespíAnother victory for Barça in La Liga F. Their seventeenth win of the season. Pere Romeu's team – with a rotated squad – comfortably defeated a Sevilla side that barely crossed midfield (4-1). Kika Nazareth opened the scoring with a no-look shot, and Sydney Schertenleib, Salma Paralluelo, and Kika again completed the rout. Alexia Putellas, who came on in the 60th minute, was busy providing assists to help maintain the ten-point lead over Real Madrid before their visit to Los Blancos in the Copa de la Reina quarterfinals (Thursday at 9 pm, single-leg match). This wasn't the only gift from the captain to the fans at the Johan Cruyff Stadium. Barça supporters were also treated to a surprise: a handwritten letter from Alexia Putellas thanking the fans for their support. This initiative is part of the creation of the new brand for the footballer from Mollet del Vallès, in collaboration with Nike. The logo features a crown – she is known as the Queen – an eleven in honor of her jersey number, and an A, representing her name. The Barça captain continues to break records – not only on the field – and joins the ranks of athletes like Michael Jordan and Leo Messi, who also have their own clothing lines. She was, in fact, the one who presented the Spanish Super Cup trophy – which they won on January 24th in Castellón against Real Madrid – to the fans.

There were few other surprises in a match that unfolded exactly as everyone had predicted. Sevilla defended deep in their own half, while Barça monopolized possession. Everything suggested that the first goal was just a matter of time. And so it was. Kika – unintentionally and without even looking – opened the scoring after a corner. The Portuguese forward, with her back to the goal, tried to send the ball back into the danger zone, and fortunately for her, the trajectory ended up looping over Esther Sullastres.

Kika Nazareth scores twice

With the score at 1-0, Iris Arnaiz had a chance to equalize in one of the few attacks by the Andalusian team, but her shot crashed against the crossbar. Sevilla's other opportunities came from Fatou Kanteh, who had two chances against Cata Coll, both of which the Balearic goalkeeper was able to save. Earlier, Schertenleib had made it 2-0 after a shot deflected by an opposing player. With the game already decided, Alexia Putellas – who had given cards to the fans before the match – came on to also distribute gifts on the pitch. The Barça captain – wearing boots from her new collection – assisted Salma Paralluelo and Kika to seal the victory. In this way, the Portuguese player completed a good game with a brace. Before the final whistle, Cerrato pulled one back for Sevilla after a through ball that bypassed the Barça defense.

Barça easily defeated Sevilla and are now focused on their Copa del Rey match next Thursday (9 pm) in Madrid. The Catalan side will play a single-leg match to secure their place in the semifinals and remain in contention for all titles.