Disappointment is a rare emotion to be found on the faces of FC Barcelona players. Even more unlikely, Barcelona Femení succumbing to a loss. The *almost* perfect football machine has been humbled by the most improbable of foes. In the 2024-25 version of the UEFA Women’s Champions League Final, Arsenal Women turned the tide at 1-0 to shake the legacy of Spanish domination.
To spare the blushes of specific play-by-play breakdown of the game, those who watched the European final on Saturday, May 24th need no introduction. The winner took it all, and the better team did not happen to be Barça that day. Sometimes a best effort, even from a squad so talented as Femení, can slip and fall. Behind every kit is a spirit of grit and determination. All the puzzle pieces seemed to fit for England’s pride of North London, the Gunners.
Silver is a new colour for the likes of 2x Ballon D’or winners Alexia Putellas and Aitana Bonmatí, who have won the Women’s Champions League three times serving as long standing members of Barcelona. Admittedly, a loss did not have anyone in the best of moods, and even head coach Pere Romeu described the experience as “We didn’t find the key” (YouTube). Barcelona’s Claudia Pina received a golden boot award individually for the most goal contributions of the tournament, but understandably looked less than enthusiastic about the achievement. Team sports build a bond unlike no other, and the collective aim is to win together. It’s bittersweet knowing that these 20-odd or so squad of women will not play under the same banner again at the same time. Contracts are set to expire such as midfielder Ingrid Syrstad Engen’s at the end of summer, while rumours of goalkeeper Ellie Roebuck’s departure continue to swirl around.
Despite this setback of another trophy expectation, the show must go on, professionally and personally for all. After the final, a short international break saw participants of various nations jet off to represent their countries in the UEFA Women’s Nations League, another international competition hosted by the same governing body of the UEFA Women’s Champions League. For the Netherlands, Esme Brugts made a flashing appearance against Scotland tying 1-1. Representing Sweden, Fridolina Rolfö started on the wing versus Denmark. Not to forget to mention the many Spanish players of FC Barcelona who comprise of about 75% of the national team.
As a result, the countdown is now on for the Women’s Euros starting in just less than 30 days. Only coming round once every four years, 16 teams will contest for a month over various locations in host nation Switzerland with flags from Poland to Wales being represented. As the time gets closer, coverage on the tournament can be found here.
The club season may now be over for FC Barcelona, with many changes in order, but the aim remains the same; Be the best club in the world.
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