On Saturday, Barça Femení kicked off their season against newly repromoted Alhama El Pozo — and, needless to say, won comfortably. What tactical tweaks did Pere Romeu introduce this season? Read on.
The Team and the Starting XI
Before the game, new first-team squad numbers were announced: Sydney Schertenleib will wear No. 6, following Claudia Pina and Vicky Losada before her; Lucía Corrales was to inherit the No. 23 vacated by Ingrid Engen but has since joined London City Lionesses; and Laia Aleixandri takes the No. 5.
Clara Serrajordi and goalkeeper Txell Font are also expected to feature regularly for the first team. In total, 18 players are now registered.
Romeu’s starting lineup held few surprises, though Clara Serrajordi’s inclusion was notable.
The defense, left to right: Esmee Brugts, María León, Irene Paredes, Ona Batlle. Midfield: Alexia Putellas, Clara Serrajordi, Aitana Bonmatí. Attack: Salma Paralluelo, Ewa Pajor, Caroline Graham Hansen.
An Evolving Double Pivot
The most noticeable shift came in midfield. Clara Serrajordi started as the defensive anchor, while two players — Esmee Brugts and Aitana Bonmatí — dropped in situationally to form a fluid double pivot.
When build-up required overloads on the left, Brugts (wearing No. 24, left back) moved into midfield. On the right, Bonmatí (No. 14) dropped deep, often prompting Brugts to return to left back. This adaptive structure eased pressure on Serrajordi and improved ball progression. Serrajordi was spectacular in her own right and it’s likely we will see her much more often this season.
Brugts also contributed several long switches and progressive passes — an encouraging, if sometimes imprecise, dimension to her evolving role.
This tactical tweak was employed by former Manchester City manager Gareth Taylor where the left back — mostly Leila Ouhabi — would drop into midfield to form a double pivot with Yui Hasegawa (DM). It served more or less the same purpose, but Pere’s was more tactically nuanced because it involved Aitana as well.
Paralluelo’s and Graham Hansen’s Width
In the first half, Salma Paralluelo and Caroline Graham Hansen stayed wide, pinning Alhama’s fullbacks and creating space in the half-spaces for Bonmatí and Putellas to exploit. Bonmatí’s goal originated from one of these central runs — a clear product of the wide threats.
Set Pieces Show Promise
Set-piece conversion has long been a weakness for Barça, despite frequently earning opportunities. On Saturday, however, the team showed improvement: two of its eight goals came from corners, including the opener. Mapi León showed why time and again she should be the go to for set-pieces.
Game-Changing Substitutions
All the substitutions were well-timed and effective.
Laia Aleixandri replaced Paredes in defense. Later, Kika Nazareth, Claudia Pina and Vicky López came on for Putellas, Paralluelo and Bonmatí, respectively. Aïcha Camara also made her Liga F debut, replacing Batlle.
The changes refreshed Barça’s press and sustained tactical coherence. Pina’s hat trick and the midfield’s sharp interplay underscored how spot on the subs were. It also points to the readiness of the squad.
If the opener is any indication, Romeu is refining his approach — a promising sign for the season ahead.
