Patri Guijarro's return is worth a Super Cup against Real Madrid

BarcelonaThe first title of the season is here. Not a rout, but a very solid performance from Barça in defense, where efficiency – and a great performance from Misa Rodríguez in goal – prevented a bigger scoreline. Pere Romeu adds his fourth title – after achieving the national treble last season – by defeating Real Madrid with a goal from Esmee Brugts in the first half and a penalty converted by Alexia Putellas in stoppage time of the second half (2-0). Barça continues its dominance over Real Madrid: 22 wins and only one defeat, and the young players Clara Serrajordi, Aïcha Camara, Carla Julià, Rosalía, Martine Fenger, and Laia Martret now have their first titles. Laia Aleixandri also wins her first trophy as a Barça player, although she was unable to play in the Super Cup due to injury.

Barça started strongly, pressing high up the pitch after losing possession against a Real Madrid side that frequently resorted to long balls for the runs of Athenea, Feller, and Linda Caicedo. However, the Barça defense remained vigilant, preventing any dangerous attacks. Patri Guijarro – returning to the starting lineup 101 days after suffering an injury against Roma – demonstrated her quality, both in building attacks and defensively, breaking up opposition plays. It was precisely from one of these Barça recoveries that the first clear chance of the match arose. Ewa Pajor stole the ball in midfield, and Misa Rodríguez tipped a shot from Vicky López just outside the box over the bar for a corner.

Set pieces once again show the way

Pere Romeu's team has the quality to create danger, but they also know how to perfectly capitalize on set pieces. For the third consecutive match, the goal has come from a corner. Against Alhama, it secured the victory; against Athletic Club, it turned the game around; and against Real Madrid, it opened the scoring. Esmee Brugts headed in a cross from Mapi León at the near post to make it 1-0. The referee was under scrutiny in this match following the controversial sending-off of Kika Nazareth in the semifinals. Graham Hansen lost possession in midfield, leading to a counter-attack by Linda Caicedo. This is where one of the first controversies arose. The Norwegian player brought down the Colombian player on the edge of the penalty area, although she wasn't the last defender as Irene Paredes was also present. Coach Pau Quesada requested a VAR review, and Eugenia Gil, after a lengthy review, disallowed the goal for an earlier offside.

Real Madrid stepped up their game after Barcelona's goal. The Whites, who hit the crossbar with a shot from Däbritz from the edge of the box, searched for an equalizer with several crosses that the Catalan defense managed to clear. At the other end of the pitch, Misa was a key figure in keeping Real Madrid's hopes alive until the final whistle. The Madrid goalkeeper denied Ewa Pajor – twice – and Claudia Pina. Graham Hansen also had a chance to make it 2-0 with a header – at an empty net – that crashed against the crossbar. Linda Caicedo could have leveled the score, but Ona Batlle made a crucial interception to prevent it. A few minutes later, Pau Quesada appealed for a penalty for a handball by Irene Paredes. The ball, however, struck the Basque player in the stomach. With full time remaining, Alexia Putellas sealed the victory from the penalty spot, lifting Barça's sixth Spanish Super Cup. The Real Madrid coach requested a review, but nothing could prevent another title for the Blaugrana.