Match Overview
On Wednesday, reigning champions Barcelona Women will host Hammarby Women at the Estadi Johan Cruyff in search of their first win in the 2024-25 Women’s Champions League. After a disappointing opener against Manchester City, the Catalan giants aim to bounce back, while Hammarby looks to build on their impressive start against St Polten.
Match Preview
Barcelona’s campaign for a third consecutive Women’s Champions League title began on a sour note with a 2-0 defeat to Manchester City, marking their first competitive loss since April. Under new manager Pere Romeu, Barcelona is eager to return to form, and they demonstrated their attacking prowess in a recent 7-1 derby victory over Espanyol, featuring a hat-trick from Ewa Pajor and a brace from Alexia Putellas. Having scored 32 goals in their first six league matches, Barcelona is confident heading into this match, particularly at home, where they have won their last nine Champions League group games by an overwhelming margin of 45-1.
On the other hand, Hammarby is making their debut in the Women’s Champions League after clinching the Damallsvenskan title. They pulled off a memorable comeback against Benfica in qualifying and started their group stage with a solid 2-0 victory over St Polten, with goals from Vilde Hasund and Cathinka Tandberg. Hammarby continued their good form with a 6-0 win over Vittsjo, extending their unbeaten run to five matches (four wins and a draw) and keeping clean sheets in all of them. Their defense will face a stern test against Barcelona’s dynamic attack, but Hammarby will be determined to make their mark in this prestigious competition.
Recent Form
– Barcelona Women: Lost 2-0 to Manchester City; Won 7-1 against Espanyol; Won 5-0 against Athletic Club.
– Hammarby Women: Won 6-0 against Vittsjo; Won 2-0 against St Polten; Drew 1-1 with Kristianstad.
Team News
Barcelona will be without Salma Paralluelo due to injury, who has yet to feature this season. Manager Pere Romeu is expected to make several changes after the heavy derby win, with Ona Batlle, Ingrid Engen, Caroline Graham Hansen, and Alexia Putellas likely to return to the starting lineup alongside Pajor, who has scored nine goals this season.
Hammarby will miss Klara Folkesson, Anna Josendal, and Lotta Okvist due to injuries. Coach Martin Sjogren is expected to recall key players Stina Lennartsson, Alice Carlsson, Joanna Andersson, and Emilie Joramo after resting them in the weekend match. Tandberg, who has been in great form with ten goals in twelve appearances, will lead the line for Hammarby.
Possible Lineups
Barcelona Women:
– Formation: 4-3-3
– Starting XI: Coll; Batlle, Engen, Leon, Rolfo; Bonmati, Walsh, Putellas; Graham Hansen, Pina, Pajor
Hammarby Women:
– Formation: 4-2-3-1
– Starting XI: Tamminen; Lennartsson, Nystrom, Carlsson, Andersson; Miyagawa, Joramo; Hasund, Vallotto, Blakstad; Tandberg
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