Pere Romeu will have Aitana Bonmatí back in the lineup for today’s Champions League match, despite her recent knock in the game against Atlético Madrid. Bonmatí, who has been training normally with a bandaged thigh, is expected to play without issues, according to Romeu. However, Barça will still be missing Fridolina Rolfö, with Esmee Brugts stepping into the left-back position after a solid performance in the Atlético match.
The reigning European champions, Barça, are accustomed to entering every match as favorites, and today’s fixture against Austria’s St. Pölten is no exception. The Blaugrana are expected to face minimal resistance from St. Pölten, currently at the bottom of Group D and without a European victory in two years. Despite the favorable odds, the team remains cautious, recalling the surprising 0-2 loss in their opening game, where they missed an anticipated victory.
Meanwhile, the English teams are having an unexpectedly strong season in the Champions League—a first in three years, following back-to-back group-stage eliminations in 2021-22 and 2022-23, and missing last season’s tournament entirely. An English team now leads Group D, a shift attributed in part to Barça’s recent surge in confidence after a remarkable 9-0 triumph over Sweden’s Hammarby in their second match.
Riding on the momentum of a 3-0 win over Atlético, Romeu’s squad looks to further solidify their position in Group D. This fixture also serves as preparation for a high-stakes clash against Real Madrid at the Estadio Alfredo di Stéfano on Saturday.
Despite Bonmatí’s return, Barça faces additional absences. Notably, Salma Paralluelo, a forward with a remarkable story of transitioning from athletics to football, remains sidelined. Since joining Barça two seasons ago, Paralluelo has been a fixture for both club and country, playing a demanding schedule that included the World Cup, Nations League, and Olympics.
The toll has been significant, and she has yet to make her season debut as she recovers. "We’re not hiding anything; she’s pushing herself to the limit. She’s undergoing readjustment, and we hope to see her back soon," Romeu stated, reflecting optimism in his team’s ability to sustain their current form.
As Barça eyes another Champions League title, there’s added incentive. The club recently reached a historic agreement with Nike, where for the first time, they will receive a financial bonus if they clinch the Champions League trophy.
Goalkeeper Cata Coll, joined by Patri Guijarro, Claudia Pina, Ona Batlle, Salma Paralluelo, Martina, Vicky López, and Caño, paid a visit to Montserrat, lighting a candle for La Moreneta. "Everything for Barça," Coll remarked, capturing the team’s shared spirit as they move forward with renewed focus and belief.
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