Barça Dominates Sporting Huelva with Squad Rotation Ahead of Copa de la Reina Quarterfinals

As the Barcelona team stepped onto the Johan Cruyff Stadium, a blend of undisputed starters (Aitana, Walsh, Paredes, or Cata Coll), less frequent players (Torrejón, Pina, Bruna, or Brugts), and young talents from the filial squad (regulars with Giráldez in the first team) like Martina, Lucía Corrales, or Vicky López took the field.

Given the opponent (a bottom-placed Sporting Huelva with just four points) and the upcoming Copa de la Reina quarterfinal against Sevilla on Wednesday, the Vigo coach opted for rotations. The team also carried the burden of multiple matches in a short span (two Champions League games and a league match against Betis). The script unfolded as expected right from the referee’s first whistle—an absolute monologue by the Blaugrana, with the Huelva side defending deep and attempting, with little hope, to capitalize on counters or defensive lapses from Barcelona.

The contest began with Torrejón presenting the Supercopa trophy to the fans (almost 4,000 at the Johan). Claudia Pina was particularly sharp from the start. After a first quarter of an hour with no clear chances, the La Masia graduate beat the Slovenian Mersnik with a masterful free-kick. The Montcada i Reixach native tried her luck from all angles, driving a Culé attack where Brugts and Bruna were more reserved.

Sporting Huelva fought valiantly, defending with all their might. Still, Aitana, cleverly, won a penalty that Pina converted into the 2-0 lead. By the 26th minute, the game was largely settled, especially as the Andalusians proved completely harmless.

Graham Plays a Different Game

Faced with the Barcelona onslaught and over 80% possession in favor of Giráldez’s team (after a couple more approaches), the first half concluded at the Barcelona stronghold.

Torrejón received the ball inside the box, resembling a forward, but failed to convert for the 3-0. After a few minutes with little danger, a crucial moment occurred. Well, crucial for the match and football in general. Caroline Graham Hansen entered the field—a truly exceptional player with immense talent. Pina had a one-on-one opportunity, but Mersnik courageously saved, and in the next play, Bruna failed to finish a chance where she was completely unmarked.

Mersnik Prevents a Scandalous Rout

Hansen’s first meaningful chance ended in the Sporting net with a delightful maneuver, including a sharp cut, making it 3-0. This goal gave wings to a Catalan side that let loose a bit, creating more danger against a very challenged (and accurate) Mersnik.

With Mariona also on the field, the chaos was complete. The Mallorcan had a good chance, but the definitive 4-0 came right at the final whistle. Assisted by an unleashed Hansen, Esme Brugts, somewhat subdued during the game, scored her fifth in the F League. The Dutchwoman’s adaptation is progressing gradually, and expectations are high for a stellar finish to the season.

It’s now 15 victories in the league, a spectacular ‘perfect 15’ from a team that refuses to ease off the gas pedal. After the necessary scare against Benfica in the Champions League, their focus is now on the Copa semifinals on Wednesday.