Alexia Putellas' quality decides a Barça derby

BarcelonaIt was a big week for Barça women. After seeing Aitana Bonmatí win her third Ballon d'Or, Pere Romeu's team dispatched a defensive Espanyol side in the derby at the Johan Cruyff Stadium (2-0). The blue and white team managed to shut down their opponents for much of the match thanks to Romane Salvador's saves, but the quality of Alexia Putellas and the great goalscorer Ewa Pajor ultimately won the day.

The match began with a golden hue. Aitana Bonmatí, the newly crowned Ballon d'Or winner, presented her three golden trophies to the fans, accompanied by Vicky López, who was also awarded the Kopa trophy for the best young player of the moment on Monday, and Poland's Ewa Pajor, who won the Gerd Müller trophy for her goals. On a festive day, the one who shined the most was Alexia Putellas, who scored a goal, provided an assist, and made many individual plays in which she ended up surrounded by opponents who tried to stop her, but without success.

Espanyol, who tried their luck with long-range shots, knew they would have to defend throughout the match. And so it was, with united efforts from their players, who only made one mistake, when Aitana, always decisive, passed into space for Graham. The Norwegian player delivered a lethal cross and Alexia, punctual, took advantage of Caracas breaking the offside trap. Alexia again made a difference in the second half, assisting Pajor to make it 2-0, in a move started by Claudia Pina, who for once was unable to score. Pere Romeu decided to make changes midway through the second half, resting Aïcha, Pina, and Aitana, who almost scored with a shot that hit the post. With Vicky, Ona Batlle, and Salma Paralluelo on the pitch, Barça continued their dominance against an Espanyol side that has yet to taste victory and has picked up three points from five matches thanks to three draws. Alexia received a well-deserved standing ovation when she was replaced by youngster Sydney, who almost scored a goal.

Pere Romeu's team has started the season on the right foot and leads the league with 15 points, ahead of Real Sociedad, who have 13. They will visit Eibar next matchday, just before the return of the Champions League with the match against Bayern Munich. The competition is on the cards for the squad after losing last season's final against Arsenal.