Barcelona Femení face their toughest challenge of the season this Thursday as they travel to the Spanish capital for a high-stakes Copa de la Reina quarter-final against Real Madrid. However, the Catalan giants will have to defend their dominance without two of their most influential players: Aitana Bonmatí and Mapi León.
Despite a perfect record against Las Blancas this season, coach Pere Romeu confirmed via social media that both stars are sidelined. Aitana Bonmatí, the engine of Barça’s midfield, is nursing an injury, while defensive leader Mapi León is also out with a minor physical setback.
The Squad List: Youth and Experience
With the “single-leg” format leaving no room for error, Romeu has called up a mix of veterans and emerging talents. Alexia Putellas and Caroline Graham Hansen will lead the charge, but the defense will look significantly different without León.
Official Barcelona Squad:
- Goalkeepers: Gemma Font, Cata Coll, Meritxell Font.
- Defenders: Irene Paredes, Laia Aleixandri, Ona Batlle, Aïcha Camara, Esmee Brugts, Carla Julià, Adriana.
- Midfielders: Sydney Schertenleib, Alexia Putellas, Patri Guijarro, Clara Serrajordi, Kika Nazareth, Vicky Lopez.
- Forwards: Salma Paralluelo, Claudia Pina, Caroline Graham Hansen, Ewa Pajor, Martine Fenger.
Predicted Lineup and Tactical Shift
Without Aitana’s creativity and Mapi’s long-range passing, Barcelona is expected to rely on a more direct approach involving Ewa Pajor and the pace of Salma Paralluelo.
Predicted XI: Cata Coll; Aïcha Camara, Irene Paredes, Marta Torrejón, Carla Julià; Clara Serrajordi, Kika Nazareth, Sydney Schertenleib; Caroline Graham Hansen, Salma Paralluelo, Ewa Pajor.
Match Details: Real Madrid vs. Barcelona
This winner-takes-all clash kicks off this Thursday, February 5th.
- Competition: Copa de la Reina (Quarter-Finals)
- Venue: Estadio Alfredo Di Stéfano (Madrid)
- How to Watch: Live on ESPN and Disney+.
Helena Lena Jessica Da Laila is a football writer covering Spanish women’s football, with a focus on Liga F, tactical trends, and emerging talents shaping the women’s game in Spain.
