FC Barcelona secured another league victory, their 21st, with a win over Deportivo Abanca. The blaugrana had to be patient in a match where, despite their superiority, they struggled to break through a Galician side sitting very deep. Three hard-earned points that strengthen their lead at the top.

Flying start

The first chance came before a minute had even passed, when Carla Julià fired wide after meeting an excellent cross from the left by Salma Paralluelo.

Barça kept pushing, this time from a set piece. Irene Paredes came close with a header after meeting Sydney’s delivery, but Inés managed to keep it out.

Depor counter

Deportivo stayed compact at the back, looking to win the ball and launch quick transitions. Fran Alonso’s side tried to catch Barça on the counter whenever possible. Ainhoa Marín had the clearest chance for the hosts with a shot from outside the area, but Gemma Font gathered it comfortably.

The goals arrive

Although Deportivo began the second half brightly, Barça soon regained control and continued to push forward in search of the breakthrough that would finally crack the Galician defence.

After several more crosses into the area, it came through Torrejón. The defender sent a ball into the box that took a dangerous deflection, hit the post and ended up in the net. Pere Romeu then reshuffled the team with the introductions of Pajor, Graham and Alexia. The latter two combined for the second goal: Graham set up Alexia, who finished neatly.

With this victory, Barça take another three points that move them closer to the league title and give them confidence ahead of the second leg of the Copa de la Reina semi-finals.

MATCH STATS

DEPORTIVO ABANCA, 0
BARÇA, 2

Deportivo Abanca: Inés Pereira; S. Ortiz, M. Barth, R. Garcia, V. Martinez; E.Pizarro (Lía M), Lucia Martínez (M. Artero, min 87), P. Gutiérrez; Bárbara (Olaya, min 62), Marisa, A. Marín

Barça: G. Font, E. Brugts, Torrejón, Irene Paredes, Ona Batlle; Clara Serrajordi (Graham, min 55), Patri Guijarro, Sydney (Pina, min 72); Salma Paralluelo (Kika, min 72), Fenger (Pajor, min 55), C. Martínez (Alexia, min 55)

Goals: 0-1 Torrejón (min 65), 0-2 Alexia (min 77)

Referee: Melisa López Ossorio. Yellow cards for Sydney (min 10), Pizarro (min 35) & Brugts (min 90+3)

Força Barça