FC Barcelona 6-1 Atlético Madrid: Massive win against defending champs

The Barça women provided a goalscoring feast against the winners of the last three Spanish championships, Atlético Madrid, netting no fewer than six times in a packed-to-capacity crowd of 4,467 at the Estadi Johan Cruyff.

Four goals in the first half meant the job was as good as done at the interval, and two more after the break sealed a win that sends out a very strong message indeed.

All of that was after going a goal down after just two minutes. The response to Sampedro’s goal was extraordinary. Barça smothered the visitors in midfield, with Graham and Mariona in incontestable form down the wings and Oshoala in powering form up front.

Hermoso got Barça back level from the penalty spot, Mariona added the second when pouncing on the rebound, Robles put the third in her own net and Oshoala made it four by finishing a wonderful move orchestrated by Graham.

The second half was a Barça monologue. Atlético were totally outclassed, and any glint of hope was lost when Tounkara was sent off for a second yellow. It was now just a case of how many more goals the Catalans were going to score.

Nigerian striker Oshoala added her second of the afternoon, and goal number six was another own goal, this time by Meseguer.

A third consecutive victory against Atlético was just the tonic ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League second leg against Juventus. Thus far, every game at the Johan Cruyff has been a goal-fest… Long may it continue!

MATCH STATS

FC Barcelona: Paños, Van der Gragt, Mapi León, J.Hermoso (Aitana, 63’), Marta Torrejón, Mariona, Alexia (Hamroui, 56’), Patri, Leila (Melanie, 75’), Graham & Oshoala (Pina, 72’)

Atlético Madrid: L.Gallardo, K.Robles (Linari, 45’), Aleixandri, Ángela Sosa, Ludmila, Charlyn, A.Sampedro, Menayo (Strom, 45’), Virginia, Meseguer & Tounkara.

Goals: 0-1, Sampedro (2’); 1-1, J.Hermoso (7’); 2-1, Mariona (29’); 3-1, Aleixandri pp (35’); 4-1, Oshoala (45’); 5-1, Oshoala (46’)

Attendance: 4,467 at Estadi Johan Cruyff