Not only will the 2022 Spanish Super Cup Final be remembered for Barça’s extraordinary exhibition to beat Atlético Madrid 7-0, but also for the return of Virginia Torrecilla after a brain tumour meant she spent two years without playing. The Atlético player came on with five minutes to go as a sub for Meseguer, and was given a hearty ovation from both teams, the fans and the whole women’s football community.
Before celebrating the title, the Barça players joined in by honouring Virginia, who was at Barça from 2012 to 2015. There was a warm embrace from her international team-mate Irene Paredes, and then the whole team joined in by giving her the ‘bumps’ in a wonderful image of fair play and sporting values. The photo made the front pages not just of the sports press but appeared in the general interest media too.
Caroline Graham Hansen, who was named MVP, said afterwards that “I think Virginia should have got the prize. After two such difficult years, today was a big day for her, for football and for women’s football in Spain.”
“She is an example of dedication” added Barça coach Jonatan Giráldez.
President Joan Laporta was also in Las Rozas and made a point of going down to the dressing rooms to express his own admiration for such a special player.
