Eleven FC Barcelona players have lost the Euro final. Reaching it in the first place was a historic achievement in Barça's collective memory, but they were unable to crown it with a maiden European title. Penalties tipped the balance in England’s favour.

The Barça contingent had already made history by reaching the final — never before had so many FC Barcelona players, male or female, appeared in a national team final on the European stage. But Switzerland bore witness to England's triumph in the lottery of penalties, leaving a bitter taste for the eleven Barça players who gave everything.

Barça’s starring role

Right from the start, Montse Tomé's starting XI featured seven Barça players: Cata Coll, Irene Paredes, Laia Aleixandri, Ona Batlle, Patri, Aitana, and Alexia. The presence continued as Cata Coll pulled off two crucial saves to deny England a goal. Later, Aitana set up Spain’s 1-0 lead, with Ona Batlle providing a sensational assist for the goal by former Barça player Mariona on 25 minutes.

In an attempt to respond to England’s equaliser after 57), Claudia Pina (who replaced Alexia), Vicky López, and Salma came on, making it nine Barça players on the pitch until the end, which came in the penalty shootout. There, Cata Coll, who made two outstanding saves, could do nothing to stop England’s victory. Patri scored her penalty, but Aitana, who finished the tournament as MVP, and Salma missed theirs. The first Euro title in the history of Spain’s women’s national team will have to wait.

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