Costa Adeje Tenerife 0-2 FC Barcelona: Further ahead

Barça heads home with another victory after beating Costa Adeje Tenerife 2-0 with goals from Alexia and Patri and a double assist from Schertenleib to strengthen their lead at the top of the table on a weekend when Real Madrid dropped two points.

Rotations for the Champions League

With the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final against Wolfsburg coming up in just four days, Pere Romeu rested several key players, including Ona Batlle, Aitana, Paredes, Paralluelo, and Graham. This opened the door for youngsters from the reserves like Schertenleib—already a regular in recent weeks—and Alba Caño, who made her second league start this evening.

Alexia stunner

But the changes didn't show. After a few minutes of total dominance, Alexia Putellas converted a pass from Schertenleib—her first assist with the first team—into a beautiful goal with a delicate touch into the top corner.

Barça were unable to continue creating clear-cut chances against a well-organised home defence, but despite the narrow scoreline, more players were rested from the interval, with Alexia, Pajor, and even goalkeeper Cata Coll taken off, with Aitana, Paralluelo, and Gemma coming on as Romeu did his best to limit the minutes of the most heavily-used players.

Patri settles it

Barça stepped up the pace, but after a top save by Tenerife goalkeeper Noelia against Aitana, and the woodwork preventing Rolfö from converting a clear chance, it was all getting rather worrying towards the end. Barça hadn't put the game to bed, until Patri Guijarro did just that. Less than ten minutes after coming on, she received the ball from Schertenleib, and fired home a corker to make sure of three points ahead of vital matches against Wolfsburg and Real Madrid in the week ahead.

MATCH STATS

Costa Adeje Tenerife: 0
Barça: 2

Costa Adeje Tenerife: Noela Ramos; Estella (Natalia Ramos 86'), Cinta, Patri Gavira, Pisco; Castelló, Bicho (Yerliane 65'), Sorbo (Ouzraoui 46'); Aleksandra, Babajidw (Silano 86') and Mari Jose (Clau Blanco 39').

Barça: Cata Coll (Gemma 46'); Jana, Marta, María León (Brugts 66'), Rolfö; Engen, Caño (Patri 76'), Alexia (Aitana 46'); Vicky, Pajor (Paralluelo 46') and Schertenleïb.

Goals: 0-1, Alexia Putellas (min. 14); 0-2, Patri Guijarro (min. 85)

Referee: Andrea Fírvida.