Barcelona opened their European title defence in Sant Joan Despí with a 5-2 win over Paris FC, recovering from an early shock to underline their appetite for another continental run. Only 2,574 spectators were inside the Estadi Johan Cruyff, but the holders turned a difficult start into an emphatic first step towards a fifth Champions League crown.
Pere Romeu’s side arrived with several absences and a notably youthful bench beside an experienced, powerful starting XI. The previous season’s four-trophy haul has not softened their edge: Barcelona played with the urgency of a final after Paris FC briefly threatened an upset.
Quick facts
- Barcelona beat Paris FC 5-2 in their first European match as reigning champions.
- Paris FC scored first through Viens, but Barcelona replied with goals from Kerolin Nicoli, Serrajordi, Ewa Pajor twice and Caroline Graham Hansen.
- Kerolin scored her first Barcelona goal, while Serrajordi registered her first in the Champions League.
- The attendance at Estadi Johan Cruyff was 2,574.
- Barcelona’s target is a fifth European title, with the final scheduled for Warsaw at the end of May.
The French visitors struck almost immediately. Viens escaped the attention of Paredes and Martina, then beat Cata Coll with a fierce angled effort high into the net.
Barcelona did not lose their composure. Chavas produced a fine save from Esmee Brugts, but she could not prevent Kerolin from levelling after Clàudia Pina released the Brazilian into space. Kerolin controlled cleanly and finished, then celebrated with Pina and sent a heart gesture towards the injured Barcelona players watching from the stands.
Aitana Bonmatí, Kika Nazareth, Laia Aleixandri, Van Asten and Vicky López were among those absent, along with young players Mayssa and Charlotta. Their absence did little to disrupt the hosts once their rhythm arrived.
Barcelona moved ahead from a Graham Hansen corner, met by the returning Serrajordi. The defender’s header brought her fourth goal for the club and her first on this stage, as she continues her push in the race for the world’s leading young-player recognition.
The third came from a move carrying the stamp of Barcelona’s individual quality. Patri Guijarro delivered a precise pass from deep, Graham Hansen raced beyond her marker and supplied Ewa Pajor, who finished decisively from close range.
Graham Hansen then added a goal of her own before the interval, driving a long-range shot low and tight inside the post. Paris FC’s hopes of leaving Catalonia with a result had gone before half-time.
The second half settled into Barcelona’s possession-led control, although the next goal did not arrive until close to the half-hour mark. A defensive clearance fell kindly for Pajor, who accepted the invitation to score her second and Barcelona’s fifth.
Paris FC found a late response through Clara Mateo, whose quality created the visitors’ second goal against Martina. It did not change the shape of the night: Barcelona had begun the long route to Warsaw with a win built on recovery, depth and familiar attacking force.
There are still 11 matches to navigate before the end-of-May final, and much can change across the European season. Yet Barcelona’s first outing as holders showed that last year’s success has not dulled their determination to keep the crown.
