Matchday 3 paired Barça Femení with Liga F newcomers DUX Logroño, a team that pulled off a surprise of sorts against Real Madrid on matchday one. Logroño was expected to present a challenge but Barça Femení made it three wins from three with a 4-0 victory. Let’s break down Aitana’s masterclass, set-piece improvements, and whether Pina is probably just better as a super-sub.
Starting XI
Pere Romeu made three changes from the side that beat Athletic Club:
Cata Coll (GK)
Esmee Brugts, Laia Aleixandri, Irene Paredes, Ona Batlle (DEF)
Alexia Putellas, Patri Guijarro, Aitana Bonmatí (MID)
Clàudia Pina, Ewa Pajor, Vicky López (FWD)
Laia Aleixandri started in place of Mapi León, Alexia replaced Kika Nazareth, and Pina took over for Salma Paralluelo. The changes seemed rotational, a smart move to manage minutes early in the season.
On paper, it was a classic 4-3-3. In practice, it often shifted into a 2-3-2-3, designed to press high and overload in attack.
Logroño’s Ultra-Defensive Setup
Right from the start, DUX Logroño made their plan clear: bunker down. They played a 4-4-2 in the middle third but dropped into a deep 5-3-2 when defending — which was most of the time.
The first 20 minutes were frustrating for Barça. Logroño’s compact, narrow shape made it tough to find openings but eventually, the pressure forced errors from DUX Logroño.
Aitana Is Back Dominating the Half-Spaces
Last season, we saw a slight dip in Aitana Bonmatí’s influence in the final third. Too often, she drifted wide or even dropped next to Paredes in the backline, leaving Barça short of threats in the half-spaces. This season, she’s back where she belongs and the difference is clear.
Not only is Aitana making those clever central runs again, but she’s now supported by another midfielder occupying the opposite half-space. The wings are also covered. That balance forces defenders to pick their poison — and against Logroño, it worked perfectly.
Aitana’s two goals both came from intelligent movement between the lines: the first, a clever finish from a cross; the second, a confident strike from outside the box – another aspect of her game that seems to be making a comeback.
The third goal came from a similar move: Patri Guijarro drove into the left half-space, received a sharp pass from Laia Aleixandri, and cut back for Pajor to tap home. Classic No. 9 stuff.
Also impressive was Vicky López on the right wing. She’s adapting well to the role — hugging the touchline, cutting inside, dribbling and delivering dangerous crosses. Esmee Brugts is doing something similar on the left, though she often drifts inward, almost playing like a midfielder at times.
Alexia brought calm and control in midfield, including one gorgeous through ball that should’ve been a goal. She and Pina interchanged smoothly. When one went wide, the other occupied the half-space.
Defense: Slowly Coming Along
Most attacks started with Laia Aleixandri carrying the ball out from the left, then releasing to Brugts wide or Pina in an advanced midfield position.
That left Aleixandri with extra defensive duties, but Ona Batlle tucked inside intelligently on the right, providing balance. Paredes held back most of the time to sweep up efficiently when needed. However, Logroño offered little in attack.
Aleixandri’s approach to defense so far has been proactive in nature. Against DUX, this involved stepping up early to cut off passes and apply pressure, stopping attacks before they even reached the halfway line. It’s a style that suits her skills perfectly.
Set-Piece Progress
The fourth goal came from a corner, finished by substitute Kika Nazareth. It’s clear Barça is putting more emphasis on set pieces this season.
We’re seeing more variety in takers, too. Mapi León usually handles right-side corners, with Graham Hansen or Pina on the left. When Mapi’s out, Alexia or Salma step in.
Free kicks are also seeing new faces. While Mapi’s still first choice, Alexia, Pina, Graham — and even Irene Paredes — have taken their turn. Kika Nazareth, with her clean striking technique, could be next in line.
Pina: Super-Sub Supreme?
Let’s talk about Clàudia Pina. Off the bench, she’s a game-changer — as her opening-match hat trick showed. But when she starts, she often struggles to have the same impact. She’s still technically sharp, but the goals dry up. Against Logroño, she missed an open net from close range in the second half probably due to fatigue.
Here’s the thing, Pina loves having the ball. When she starts, fresh defenders get overly physical to frustrate her. But when she comes on against tired legs? That’s when she thrives — twisting, turning, and picking her spots with lethal effect.
Nine Points From Nine
In the end, it was a comfortable win, Barça’s third in a row, putting them top of the table on goal difference over Atlético Madrid.
