Barcelona’s form in the UEFA Women’s Champions League suggests they are back to their most formidable, with a stunning 16 goals scored in their last two outings. Following a 9-0 demolition of Hammarby, the reigning champions delivered another emphatic performance by overwhelming Austria’s St. Pölten with a 7-0 victory on Tuesday. Despite a rocky start to the group stage, with a 2-0 loss to Manchester City in their opening Group D match, Barcelona now sits at two wins from three games, sending a clear message to their group rivals.
In Tuesday’s match, Barcelona had to be patient, breaking the deadlock in the 32nd minute when Ewa Pajor latched onto Claudia Pina’s cross and slotted in a precise near-post finish. Just six minutes later, Barça doubled their lead after goalkeeper Carina Schluter could only parry Aitana Bonmati’s cross, allowing Francisca Nazareth to convert the rebound. The goals came in quick succession, with Bonmati netting the third just two minutes later, following up on a saved attempt by Vicky Lopez.
Barcelona’s dominance continued into the first half, with Keira Walsh adding a fourth goal, curling a superb strike from the edge of the box after a setup by Nazareth. Pina joined the scoring frenzy before halftime, slotting in a far-post finish from Lopez’s cross to make it 5-0. The sixth goal came from the penalty spot after Kamila Dubcova fouled Ona Batlle in the box; Pina stepped up confidently to convert, sending Schluter the wrong way.
Although St. Pölten managed to hold Barcelona off for most of the second half, they couldn’t prevent a final blow from substitute Caroline Graham Hansen, who added the seventh and final goal to complete the rout. Barcelona’s relentless performance has now raised the stakes in Group D as they prepare for the next fixture with renewed momentum.
