Valencia CF – Barça Women: Unzué delivers three points (0-1)

Barça Women picked up on Saturday a vital victory away at Valencia, one of the most difficult trips of the season. A goal from captain Marta Unzué in the second half gave Xavi Llorens’ side all three points that leaves them in a great position in the league with two games remaining.

The opening 45 minutes were evenly balanced with few openings of note for either side. Valencia had only conceded nine goals coming into the game and their defensive strength was plain to see.

The best chance in the first half for the visitors came when Marta Torrejón’s cross just failed to connect with the head of Hermoso. The home side came closest to breaking the deadlock, Zornoza’s effort coming back off the bar just before the half hour mark.

After the break, the chances came thick and fast for both sides. Barça keeper Paños made an important stop from Nicart just before Losada created a chance for the visitors that Hermoso failed to take.

Shortly before the hour mark, Barça took the lead. Marta Unzué was first to react with her back to goal and Xavi Llorens’ side were finally ahead. Valencia were taken aback but soon came at Barça looking for the equaliser.

The home side, however, found it hard to create clear cut chances and with Sandra Paños in top for the blaugranes, Barça were able to protect their lead until the final whistle.

Barça Women’s next game comes against second placed Atlético Madrid and a victory would secure the league title with qualification for next season’s Champions League already guaranteed.