Alexia Putellas leads Barça to another Champions League victory

Sant Joan DespíBarça comfortably defeated OH Louvain (3-0), one of the competition's debutants who were previously undefeated, securing their third victory in three Champions League matches. Pere Romeu's side leads the group stage and will arrive with their objectives already achieved for the next two matches, among the toughest of the early part of the season: Real Madrid's visit to Montjuïc on Saturday and the clash against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge next Thursday.

The Blaugrana dominated possession from the first minute. The Belgians, cheered on by over 200 fans in support of Johan Cruyff, offered very little. Only a few isolated counter-attacks were well dealt with by the home defense. Louvain's merit lay in their solid defensive structure, which prevented them from suffering more damage than necessary. Vicky started on the right wing in an attack completed by Graham Hansen as a false nine. new Pina, on the left, was one of the most active. In midfield, Alexia was responsible for injecting speed into the game, dropping back to receive the ball from the pivot and trying to link up with Aitana, who were well protected by Aleixandri.

Barça monopolized possession as planned and pinned Louvain back in their own area, but the goal remained elusive despite several attempts by Vicky, Graham, Brugts, Alexia, and Aitana. Even Mapi, whose partner and former Barça player Engen came to watch her play at the stadium, ventured into the box, but her shot after a nice cutback was weak. Pere Romeu's team gradually took control of the game, forcing their opponents back more and more, wearing them down and making them chase a ball that only had one color: Barça's.

Alexia finally broke Louvain's resistance

The Belgians struggled to string together three consecutive passes, but they remained solid defensively and held on for the 0-0 draw. However, just before halftime, they made a mistake, and against Barça, mistakes are costly. After another one-two between Aitana and Vicky down the right flank, the 19-year-old set up Graham in the heart of the penalty area. Although the Norwegian shot wide, Veefkind stepped on her foot. A penalty as absurd as it was clear-cut. Alexia made no mistake from the spot, redeeming herself after recent penalty misses and guiding her team to another victory.

After the break, Barça came out determined to finish the job. Five minutes before the hour mark, Graham assisted Vicky, who simply had to tap the ball into the back of the net for the second goal. Barça added fuel to the fire with the introduction of Pajor, but the third goal came from a set piece. A great cross from Mapi at the far post was headed in by Paredes after the ball deflected off a defender's back. Louvain got a taste of victory on a counter-attack, but De Ceuster's goal was ruled out for offside. Kika and Brugts had chances to complete the rout, but the score remained unchanged.