UEFA Women’s Champions League 2024/2025: Barcelona vs Hammarby, Matchday 2, Squads & Preview
The Barcelona vs Hammarby Women’s Champions League continues with a much-anticipated match in Group D. On Wednesday, October 16, 2024 at Estadi Johan Cruyff, Sant Joan Despí stadium, FC Barcelona will face Hammarby IF in a clash that could shape the group standings. The game kicks off at 12:00 PM and brings together two teams with very different histories in European football. Barcelona, one of the giants in women’s football, takes on Hammarby, a club looking to make its mark on the continental stage. Here’s a comprehensive preview of this exciting encounter.
FC Barcelona: Dominating European Football
Barcelona Women’s team has been a dominant force in European football in recent years. Known for their fluid style of play, technical brilliance, and consistent performances, they are a team that many opponents find hard to handle. The 2024/2025 season is no different, as Barcelona aims to go deep into the competition again and win the prestigious UEFA Women’s Champions League title.
Official squad list FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona
Goalkeepers
- Gemma Font
- Catalina Coll
- Ellie Roebuck
- Meritxell Muñoz
- Meritxell Font
Defenders
- Irene Paredes
- María León
- Jana Fernàndez
- Marta Torrejón
- Martina Fernández
- Ona Batlle
- Noah Bezis
- Judit Pujols
- Martina González
- Aïcha Camara
Midfielders
- Alexia Putellas
- Patri Guijarro
- Aitana Bonmatí
- Vicky López
- Keira Walsh
- Ingrid Engen
- Alba Caño
- Clara Serrajordi
- Emilia Szymczak
Forwards
- Salma Paralluelo
- Clàudia Pina
- Caroline Graham Hansen
- Fridolina Rolfö
- Ewa Pajor
- Francisca Nazareth
- Esmee Brugts
- Sydney Schertenleib
- Celia Segura
- Ona Baradad
- Natalia Escot
- Laia Martret
Coach
- Pere Romeu Sunyer
With key players like Alexia Putellas, Aitana Bonmatí, and Caroline Graham Hansen, Barcelona boasts one of the most talented squads in Europe. Under the guidance of coach Jonatan Giráldez, the team plays an attacking brand of football, focusing on possession and quick transitions. They have set a high standard for their competitors, and their home advantage for this match will give them an additional boost.
Hammarby: Aiming to Challenge the Best
Hammarby IF is a club with a proud history, but they are relatively new to the elite levels of European women’s football. Despite this, they have shown that they can compete with some of the best teams in the world. Coming into this game as underdogs, Hammarby will be looking to make a statement against Barcelona.
Official squad list FC Hammarby
Hammarby
Goalkeepers
- Anna Tamminen
- Josephine Frigge
- Moa Edrud
Defenders
- Lotta Ökvist
- Simone Boye Sørensen
- Roos Huitzing
- Bella Andersson
- Stina Lennartsson
- Alice Carlsson
- Jonna Andersson
- Smilla Holmberg
- Julie Blakstad
Midfielders
- Eva Nyström
- Thea Sørbo
- Asato Miyagawa
- Emilie Joramo
- Ellen Gibson
- Smilla Vallotto
- Suzu Amano
- Doris Petz
Forwards
- Anna Jøsendal
- Ellen Wangerheim
- Cathinka Tandberg
- Vilde Hasund
- Emma Westin
Coach
- Martin Sjögren
The Swedish club is known for its hardworking and disciplined approach. They rely heavily on teamwork and tactical discipline. Hammarby’s coach, Pablo Piñones-Arce, will likely adopt a cautious strategy against Barcelona, aiming to frustrate the Spanish giants and hit them on the counter-attack. Key players such as Vilde Böe Risa and Ellen Wangerheim will play important roles in both attack and defense.
Key Players to Watch
In a match of this magnitude, individual performances can often make the difference. Here are some of the key players to keep an eye on during the Barcelona vs. Hammarby clash:
- Alexia Putellas (Barcelona): The two-time Ballon d’Or winner is Barcelona’s midfield maestro. Known for her vision, passing, and ability to score crucial goals, Putellas will be the heart of Barcelona’s attacking play.
- Aitana Bonmatí (Barcelona): Bonmatí’s creativity and energy in midfield make her one of the most dangerous players in European football. Her ability to dictate the pace of the game and create opportunities for her teammates will be key in breaking down Hammarby’s defense.
- Caroline Graham Hansen (Barcelona): Hansen is one of the best wingers in the world. Her speed, dribbling, and crossing ability make her a constant threat to opposing defenses. She will look to stretch Hammarby’s backline and create scoring chances.
- Vilde Böe Risa (Hammarby): The Norwegian midfielder is a key player for Hammarby. Her experience and leadership on the field will be crucial in organizing Hammarby’s defense and providing stability in midfield.
- Ellen Wangerheim (Hammarby): Wangerheim is a rising star for Hammarby. As an attacker, she will be looking to exploit any gaps in Barcelona’s defense and contribute to Hammarby’s counter-attacks.
Tactical Battle
This match is likely to be a tactical battle between Barcelona’s possession-based approach and Hammarby’s more defensive setup. Barcelona will look to control the game with their passing, aiming to dominate possession and create opportunities through intricate play. Their wide players, such as Hansen, will be crucial in stretching the field and creating space for the midfielders to exploit.
On the other hand, Hammarby is expected to adopt a more defensive strategy. They will likely sit deep, compact their defense, and try to frustrate Barcelona by cutting off passing lanes. Hammarby’s plan will be to absorb Barcelona’s pressure and hit them on the counter-attack, using the pace of players like Wangerheim to try and catch Barcelona’s defense off-guard.
Barcelona’s key challenge will be breaking down Hammarby’s defensive setup. If Hammarby manages to stay organized and disciplined, they could make it difficult for Barcelona to find space in the final third. However, Barcelona’s quality in attack means they are likely to create chances, and Hammarby will need to be at their very best defensively.
Recent Form
Both teams come into this match with different expectations. Barcelona has been in fine form, dominating both domestically and in Europe. Their performances in the UEFA Women’s Champions League so far have been strong, and they will be looking to continue that form in this match. A win here could solidify their position at the top of Group D and increase their chances of progressing to the knockout stages.
Hammarby, on the other hand, will see this match as a chance to prove themselves against one of the best teams in the world. While they may not have the same level of experience as Barcelona, Hammarby has shown resilience and determination in their previous matches. They will need to bring their best game if they are to get anything from this encounter.
Match Prediction
Looking at the quality of both teams, Barcelona clearly enters this match as the favorites. Their experience in the competition, combined with their talented squad, gives them a significant advantage over Hammarby. While Hammarby will be determined to put up a fight, it is hard to see them overcoming Barcelona’s attacking power and tactical superiority.
Prediction: Barcelona 4-0 Hammarby
Barcelona’s ability to control possession and create chances will likely overwhelm Hammarby’s defense. Expect goals from their star players, with Barcelona taking control early on and maintaining pressure throughout the match.
Where to Watch
Fans can catch this exciting Group D match live on various sports networks or stream it on official UEFA platforms. Be sure to check your local listings for broadcast details.
Conclusion
The Barcelona vs Hammarby match is set to be an exciting encounter in the UEFA Women’s Champions League. Barcelona will look to assert their dominance, while Hammarby will aim to pull off an upset. With star players on both sides, fans can expect an action-packed match. Make sure to tune in on October 16, 2024, to witness this exciting Group D clash.
FAQs
- When is the Barcelona vs Hammarby Women’s Champions League match?
- The match will take place on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at 12:00 PM.
- Where will the Barcelona vs Hammarby match be held?
- The match will be played in Barcelona, at FC Barcelona’s home ground.
- Who are the key players in this match?
- Key players include Alexia Putellas, Aitana Bonmatí, and Caroline Graham Hansen for Barcelona. For Hammarby, Vilde Böe Risa and Ellen Wangerheim will be crucial.
- How can I watch the match live?
- The match will be broadcast on various sports channels and available for streaming on UEFA’s official platforms.
- What is the predicted score for Barcelona vs Hammarby?
- Barcelona is expected to win 4-0, based on their current form and squad strength.
