Barcelona Vs Hammarby

Barcelona Women, reigning champions of Europe, are gearing up for their second match in the 2024-25 UEFA Women’s Champions League group stage. Despite their immense success in recent years, they have had a less-than-ideal start this season. As they prepare to host Swedish champions Hammarby Women on Wednesday, the Catalan giants are determined to secure their first win of the campaign, following a disappointing defeat in their opening match. Hammarby, meanwhile, will be riding high after their victory over Austria’s St Polten and are hoping to continue their fairytale debut in Europe’s elite competition.

Match Preview

Barcelona’s 2024-25 Women’s Champions League journey began in a manner few would have predicted. The team traveled to Manchester last week, aiming to kick off their campaign on the right foot. However, the English side Manchester City had other plans. In what was a highly anticipated encounter, Barcelona suffered a 2-0 defeat, marking a frustrating start to their group-stage campaign. Naomi Layzell and Khadija Shaw were the stars of the night for Manchester City, each finding the back of the net and handing Barcelona their first European defeat of the season. For Barcelona's new manager, Pere Romeu, it was an especially bitter experience, as it was his first-ever European match in charge of the team.

This result was also particularly significant because it ended Barcelona’s impressive undefeated streak in competitive matches, a run that had extended back to April 2024. The last time the Catalan club tasted defeat was in the semi-final of last season’s Women’s Champions League, where they lost 1-0 to Chelsea in the first leg at home. However, that defeat didn't stop them from ultimately going on to lift the trophy for a second consecutive season, underscoring their resilience and quality.

While the loss to Manchester City was a setback, Barcelona quickly bounced back on the domestic front, showing exactly why they are considered one of the most dominant teams in Europe. In a thrilling city derby against Espanyol, Barcelona demonstrated their attacking prowess, recovering from an early scare to record a resounding 7-1 victory. Ewa Pajor stole the show with a hat-trick, while star player Alexia Putellas netted twice. Further goals from Claudia Pina and Aitana Bonmati helped Barcelona secure their sixth league win of the season, extending their perfect record in Liga F.

Barcelona’s attacking form has been nothing short of extraordinary. Across their six league games this season, the Spanish champions have scored a staggering 32 goals, averaging over five goals per match. It is this formidable firepower that they will look to unleash against Hammarby, as they aim to notch up their first points in the Women’s Champions League group stage.

This will be the first time Barcelona faces Hammarby in European competition, and the home side will take confidence from their impressive record in the Women’s Champions League group stage. In their previous nine group-stage home matches, Barcelona has emerged victorious in every single one, a remarkable feat that underlines the fortress-like atmosphere they have cultivated at home. As they prepare for Wednesday’s game at the Estadi Johan Cruyff, Barcelona will be fully aware of the importance of maintaining their unbeaten home record in the group stage and getting their European campaign back on track.

Hammarby’s Journey

For Hammarby, their journey to the Women’s Champions League has been nothing short of a fairytale. The Swedish side earned their place in the competition by winning the Damallsvenskan title last season, a triumph that ended a long wait for domestic success. This season marks their debut in the Women’s Champions League, and they have already made a name for themselves on the European stage.

Hammarby’s first taste of European football came in the qualifying rounds, where they were drawn against Portuguese giants Benfica. The Swedes found themselves facing an uphill battle after losing the first leg 2-1 at home, but they showed incredible resilience and determination to turn the tie around. In the second leg, Hammarby put in a stellar defensive performance and secured a 2-0 win away from home, thus sealing their place in the group stage of the competition. It was a result that not only boosted their confidence but also sent a clear message that they are not just here to make up the numbers.

In their group stage opener, Hammarby continued their impressive form, claiming a 2-0 win over Austrian side St Polten. Goals from Vilde Hasund and Cathinka Tandberg helped the Swedish champions get their group-stage campaign off to a winning start. The victory over St Polten was a memorable moment for the club, as it marked their first-ever win in the Women’s Champions League group stage.

Hammarby’s domestic form has also been outstanding. In their most recent league match, they recorded a comprehensive 6-0 victory over Vittsjo, with Hasund once again playing a starring role. The Norwegian forward netted twice in that game, bringing her tally to four goals in her last two matches. Her form will be crucial if Hammarby is to stand any chance of causing an upset against Barcelona.

Another key aspect of Hammarby’s recent success has been their defensive solidity. The Swedish side has kept clean sheets in each of their last five matches across all competitions, a run that has included both league and European fixtures. This defensive resilience will be put to the test on Wednesday, as they face a Barcelona side that boasts one of the most potent attacks in women’s football.

Team News and Key Players

Barcelona will be looking to their star-studded squad to deliver the goods against Hammarby. Leading the line will be Poland international Ewa Pajor, who has been in scintillating form this season. Pajor’s hat-trick against Espanyol was a reminder of her clinical finishing ability, and she will be one of Barcelona’s main attacking threats on Wednesday. Alexia Putellas, Barcelona’s talismanic captain, will also be pivotal in the midfield. The 2021 and 2022 Ballon d'Or Féminin winner has shown time and again that she is capable of taking control of big matches, and her experience will be invaluable as Barcelona looks to bounce back from their defeat to Manchester City.

In defense, Barcelona will need to be on high alert to deal with Hammarby’s attacking threats, particularly Vilde Hasund. The Norwegian forward has been one of Hammarby’s standout performers this season, and her ability to find the back of the net in crucial moments makes her a player to watch. Hammarby will also rely on Cathinka Tandberg, who has been instrumental in both their domestic and European campaigns. Her goal against St Polten highlighted her knack for being in the right place at the right time, and she will be eager to add to her tally in this high-stakes match.

Hammarby’s defense, which has been rock solid in recent weeks, will need to be at its very best to keep Barcelona’s attacking talents at bay. The Swedish side’s backline has been well-organized and disciplined, but they have yet to face a side of Barcelona’s caliber this season. Goalkeeper Moa Öhman will likely be a busy figure on the night, and her performance could be crucial to Hammarby’s hopes of pulling off a shock result.

Tactics and Strategies

Barcelona’s attacking philosophy under Pere Romeu has been clear since the start of the season: dominate possession and overwhelm opponents with relentless pressure. The Catalan giants are known for their high-tempo, possession-based football, which often sees them pinning their opponents deep in their own half. Their ability to move the ball quickly and create scoring opportunities from wide areas has been a key feature of their play, and with the likes of Pajor, Putellas, and Bonmati in the side, they are always a threat in the final third.

Defensively, Barcelona will be wary of Hammarby’s counter-attacking potential. The Swedish side has shown that they are capable of striking quickly on the break, and Barcelona’s full-backs will need to be cautious about leaving too much space behind them. Hammarby’s game plan is likely to revolve around staying compact, absorbing pressure, and looking to hit Barcelona on the counter whenever possible. With Hasund leading the line, Hammarby will hope to capitalize on any mistakes or lapses in concentration from the Barcelona defense.

The Road Ahead

While this match represents a significant challenge for Hammarby, it is also an opportunity for them to prove that they belong at this level. A positive result against Barcelona would further enhance their reputation and give them a strong platform to build on as they continue their Champions League journey. For Barcelona, this game is about reasserting their dominance and proving that the loss to Manchester City was nothing more than a minor setback.

As both teams take to the pitch on Wednesday, all eyes will be on the Estadi Johan Cruyff. Can Barcelona maintain their perfect home record in the Women’s Champions League group stage? Or will Hammarby continue their dream European run with a stunning upset? One thing is certain: it promises to be an intriguing encounter between two sides with very different Champions League ambitions.