FC Barcelona Women v UD Granadilla: Fantastic win to start the second round in style (3-0)

FC Barcelona Women needed a win to stay in touch with the league leaders Atlético de Madrid. Xavi Llorens' side secured a comfortable victory in the first game of the second round of Liga fixtures and maintained their positive run. Jennifer Hermoso, who scored twice, and Vicky Losada, who grabbed the other, were the two stand out players on the night.

Fast start but no goals

The blaugranes  started well with real intensity to their play and they kept the ball excellently. Granadilla were stuck in their half and were starved of the ball. Barça were patient in possession and looked to wear down the opposition with quick interchanges in and around the box. Slowly, the Catalans started to create dangerous situations and in the 11th minute Andressa had the first chance of the game with a shot that brushed the outside of the post.

Jennifer Hermoso provides the finish

Barça's insistence paid off following a nice move from Alexia ending in an assist for Vicky Losada who finished confidently, putting Llorens' side ahead in the 17 th minute of the game. The goal gave Barça some extra motivation to go out and get a second to put them further in control.

Even though the opposition side tried to counter, Barça were aware of the danger and didn't give them many chances. A great individual run by Mariona in the 29th minute ended when she was ilegally brought down in the box. Jennifer Hermoso put her side 2-0 up at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper. Hermoso continued her impressive goalscoring form with her second of the night and the team's third in the 38th minute. FC Barcelona Women went into the second half with an impressive lead following an excellent opening 45 minutes.

Solid in defence

At the restart the blaugranas maintained their high level even though the opposition pushed up and tried to get a goal back. Barça were patient and they continued to defend well and attack with the intention of scoring the goal which would have put Granadilla out of the game completely. Mariona almost provided the nail in the coffin but could only hit the post in the 51st minute. Granadilla looked to offer a counter attacking threat but the team from Tenerife found it almost impossible to threaten Barça's goal.

FC Barcelona women were in complete control and kept possession in midfield with ease. Andressa Alves also went close with a well struck free kick saved well by Noelia. In the end, FC Barcelona coasted to an important victory which keeps them in second place and puts pressure on Atlético de Madrid in first.