The queen had to leave with a win. And Alexia Putellas signed off from Barça Femení on the Estadi Johan Cruyff pitch with one final victory over Real Sociedad Femenino. With one last assist, she played her final 81 minutes as a culer before departing, this time to a standing ovation.

More than a game

It was an incredibly difficult game for everyone involved. Above all for Alexia, just hours after the emotional tribute at Spotify Camp Nou. But also for her teammates, many of whom had been left inconsolable after saying goodbye to their captain.

And beyond all that, the visitors were a Real Sociedad side that remained the only team to have beaten the league champions this season.

Pina scores, Emma ties

Still, the culers never entertained the possibility that their eternal captain’s final match would end without victory. The first goal of the afternoon came from the league’s top scorer, Clàudia Pina, who netted her 21st of the campaign after a brilliant move down the left by Carla Julià.

Former blaugrana Emma Ramírez then applied the old football law against her former club by levelling the score, but it proved only the prelude to a goal loaded with symbolism.

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Alexia to Aitana

A touch from Alexia became the second goal through Aitana Bonmatí, her first since returning from injury. From Alexia to Aitana. Five Ballons d’Or combined in a single goal.

It was the perfect way to head into the dressing room, take a breath and try to regroup emotionally before a second half that would be just as moving. The scoreline remained at a one-goal margin only because the post denied Pina a spectacular long-range second.

Final now

The minutes ticked by as Alexia searched for one final goal, while substitutions for players such as Ona Batlle and María León were greeted with ovations. The pace of the match gradually slowed, as though football itself was beginning to understand what was about to happen.

Then, in the 81st minute, everything stopped. Alexia left the pitch without tears, but with a smile, one final bow, and a guard of honour formed by teammates and opponents alike. Everyone aware that far more than just a footballer was leaving.

The score would not change again. And Alexia is now history.

MATCH STATS

Barça: 2
Reial Sociedad: 1

Barça: Gemma Font; Ona Batlle (Aïcha 59'), Marta, Maria León (Ranera 68'), Carla Julià; Sydney, Aitana. Alexia; Kika (Serrajordi 67'), Pina (Fenger 59') y Vicky.

Real Sociedad: Estensoro; Emma Ramírez (Agirrezabala 61'), Lucía Rodríguez, Aparicio, Florentino, Vicente; Cahynova, Paula Fernández, Jacinto (Pardo 75'), Marcos (Eizagirre 75'); Lavogez (Intza 75').

Goals: 1-0, Pina (min. 14); 1-1, Emma Ramírez (min. 26); 2-1, Aitana (min. 34)

Referee: María Eugenia Gil.

Força Barça