FC Barcelona face AS Roma in Women’s Champions League match
FC Barcelona travels to the Stadio delle Tre Fontane to face AS Roma on Wednesday in Matchday 2 of the UEFA Women’s Champions League opening phase. Pere Romeu’s squad aims to build momentum following a perfect start to the campaign, bolstered by the return of several players from injury and international duty.
Barça Secures Squad Boost Ahead of European Trip
The fixtures come thick and fast for the Catalan side as they embark on their first European trip of the season. The timing arrives at an encouraging moment for a squad stretched by early-season absences. Coach Pere Romeu finally welcomes key personnel back into the fold following a demanding September.
Van Asten has received medical clearance to return. Meanwhile, Aïcha, Carla Julià, Noa Jiménez, and Rosalia rejoin the group after winning the U20 World Cup. Another tournament returnee, Julia Torres, is excluded from the matchday squad for Rome. Youngster Mayssa Baha, a notable goalscorer during the opening weeks, remains ineligible for Champions League action until she turns 16 in January.
Familiar Territory at the Stadio delle Tre Fontane
Barcelona knows both Wednesday’s opponents and the Italian venue well. Last season’s visit to Rome ended in a 4-0 victory for the visitors, though the scoreline masked the true difficulty of the European away fixture. Substantial changes have occurred since that meeting. Roma appointed a new manager in the summer, while Barcelona continues working toward top gear following a disrupted preparation period.
Results remain positive despite the uneven start. Another victory in Italy consolidates momentum as the continental campaign intensifies. Club directors Xavi Puig, Àngel Riudalbàs, Xavier Barniol, and Jaume Santiveri accompanied the traveling party to the Italian capital.
Managerial Warning and Player Readiness
Pere Romeu cautioned against underestimating the opposition based on last season’s margin of victory. Speaking in the pre-match press conference, the Barcelona manager highlighted the demanding nature of the fixture.
Last year’s game was tough, it was difficult. This is the Champions League and playing away from home is never easy, whoever you are facing. Roma are an aggressive side and difficult to play against. It remains to be seen if their tactical setup against us will be identical, as squads frequently undergo modifications.
Carla Julià expressed enthusiasm about returning to club duties after international success with the national team.
It is a great feeling to have secured the championship with my country, yet I am also eager to be back and support the squad. We kept a very close eye on the team’s games throughout the month. They kept getting the results, which was the most important thing. Now we’re back, players are returning from injury and we’ll keep growing with every game.
A Demanding Week Culminating in El Clásico
Wednesday’s European assignment represents the opening hurdle in a grueling five-day stretch. Following the trip to Rome, Barcelona prepares to host El Clásico at Spotify Camp Nou on Sunday.