Neither the losses nor the instability in the club can withstand the ambition of the FC Barcelona players. The week in which the departure of coach Jonatan Giráldez at the end of the season was announced, the Blaugrana continued to extend their unbeaten streak with a victory over Tenerife thanks to goals from Graham Hansen, from a penalty, and Keira Walsh.
The Catalan team closes 2023 as the undisputed leader having added 12 wins in 12 days. Barça is a crusher of rivals, the team with the most goals (50) and the fewest goals (2) and 9 points away from second place.
Against a closed-in team, and in a Heliodoro Rodríguez who had narrowed the playing field 2.5m on each side to receive the Blaugrana, Giráldez's team had a hard time finding space, but ended up resolving the match at the beginning of the second half overwhelming.
The Blaugrana took to the field wearing t-shirts in support of Mapi León, who underwent surgery this week for his meniscus injury. With his two starting centre-backs injured, Giráldez was counting on the return of Jana Fernàndez this week, but the young Catalan defense who was called to claim her place in such an eventful eleven, has been injured again, so the Vigo coach had to to once again bet on the subsidiary's footballer, Martina Fernández as a partner of Ingrid Engen in the axis of the defense.
Against Tenerife locked behind, Barça found it impossible to penetrate the rival area. José Herrera planted all his players in two lines very close together, leaving only Blom hanging at the top. The Blaugrana tried in every way, but they couldn't do any damage and the hanging balls didn't reach anyone.
Barça only managed two shots on target and both were neutralized by a great Aline Reis. The goalkeeper of the Tenerife team was the most outstanding of the first 45 minutes with two great interventions that allowed her team to reach the break with the initial 0-0.
The Catalans' first attempt was a close-range shot by Salma Paralluelo from inside the area. Graham Hansen sent a precise cross that the Aragonese woman lowered with her chest, but the local goalkeeper anticipated well to block the shot from the Blaugrana '9'. Barça's other great opportunity to take the lead was on the brink of half-time, when Aline put in a providential hand to prevent the goal from Aitana Bonmatí, who had achieved a great shot close to the Brazilian goalkeeper's long post.
The only stain on the local goalkeeper's record was an error in the release of the ball, caused by the intense pressure from the Catalan team, who almost had Tenerife pay dearly. Aline gave a ball to Graham Hansen, who assisted Pina to shoot on goal, but Noelia Ramos, very attentive, managed to get her foot in just enough to deflect the ball away.
FC Barcelona came out on top in the second half. Vicky López warned with a first shot that the local defense rejected as soon as it started and right after a penalty by Patri Gavira would become 0-1 for the Blaugrana. Caroline Graham Hansen was in charge of converting the maximum penalty, shooting with all the restraint to deceive Aline. Ninth goal for the Norwegian, who is completing a scandalous season: top scorer in the F League and top assist in the competition.
Barça had moved into a higher gear and Tenerife was beginning to show physical wear and tear. The second Blaugrana goal was only a matter of time and it arrived at game time from the boots of Keira Walsh. The English midfielder received the ball alone and created a powerful right-footed shot into the back of the net.
The culé dominance was total, although Tenerife would still have some opportunities to counterattack. The clearest ones, from Mari Jose, who on both occasions were thwarted by a great Sandra Paños.
After this victory, the League will return on Three Kings Day, January 6, for the Catalan derby against Levante Las Planas (6:30 p.m.). Before, the Blaugrana will say goodbye to 2023 by hosting Rosengård this Wednesday (9pm) in the fourth game of the Champions group stage.
