Barça’s Johan Cruyff Fortress: Another Resounding Victory in Copa de la Reina
Heading to the Johan Cruyff Stadium is akin to a ‘Chronicle of a Foretold Death,’ reminiscent of Gabriel García Márquez’s classic novel, for Barça’s adversaries. However, when it’s a one-off knockout tie, even against the Blaugranas, there’s always a glimmer of hope for all the ‘victims’ of this team, knowing that emerging victorious is nearly impossible.
Even Sevilla, arriving at the Culés’ stronghold in their prime, hadn’t suffered a defeat – in either the league or the Copa – since November 5, precisely against Barça in Sant Joan Despí. Yet, the Blaugranas overwhelmed the Andalusian side in yet another display of brilliant football and numerous goals, with braces from Salma, Aitana, and Mariona, and goals from Graham and Ari Arias, securing their spot in the Copa de la Reina semifinals.
Coach Jonatan Giráldez fielded an almost gala lineup, taking into account the available resources, with the only change being Vicky López starting in place of Walsh, who could take a breather on the bench after considerable playing time.
A couple of shaky plays from the back for Barça in the face of Sevilla’s high and brave press defined the opening five minutes. Payne found herself in Cata Coll’s area, but once again, Ona Batlle was the quickest to intercept the attack from the American forward.
The Double-Digit Afternoon
From that point on, it was relentless pressure and overwhelming superiority from the Blaugranas. Salma Paralluelo broke the deadlock with a left-footed strike from outside the box, altering its trajectory after bouncing off Diana Gomes.
With the goal, Barça regained control, and within half an hour, they were leading by four. Aitana scored the second, tapping in a pass from Mariona. The third and fourth were Mariona’s work, one with her right foot after a precise assist from Vicky López, and the other from the penalty spot.
The Blaugranas didn’t let up and reached a ‘set’ before halftime. Another goal from Salma, with her left foot from the center of the box after Mariona’s assist, and one from Graham, the team’s top scorer, again set up by Vicky López, the sharpest mind on the field.
Unrelenting Dominance
Barça continued to be a juggernaut in the second half but eased off on the goals against a Sevilla side that now focused solely on preventing an even more lopsided result.
Aitana, always hungry for more, seized on a rebound from Sullastres – returning to her ‘home’ – to score the seventh of the match and her individual brace.
Ari Arias, who received praise from Jonatan Giráldez in the last game, stepped up to assert herself in the first team after Oshoala’s departure, converting without fail and scoring the eighth. Two goals in three games. Barça now awaits their opponent in the Copa semifinals, a competition that holds special significance this year.
