March 22, (THEWILL) – Barcelona secured a 1-0 victory over Roma in the first leg of the UEFA Women’s Champions League quarter-final, thanks to a fine individual goal from Salma Paralluelo.
The teenager scored the game’s only goal with a lovely low curling shot from the edge of the box, marking her first goal in the competition. The goal, however, was not without controversy as Roma felt there was a foul in the build-up, which was greeted by loud jeers from the home fans.
Barcelona, who have won all of their 22 Liga F games this season, dominated from the outset, with almost 40,000 supporters present at Stadio Olimpico to witness the match. Despite Maria Leon and Caroline Graham Hansen firing shots just wide, Paralluelo’s goal in the 11th minute was the difference between the two sides.
Roma goalkeeper, Camelia Ceaser, was kept busy with a series of saves throughout the match, including a great save to deny Asisat Oshoala’s point-blank effort and keep Barca’s top scorer from adding to her tally. Roma took more risks as the game stretched and they almost got a reward when Vicky Losada got in behind the Barcelona defence but was unable to find a way past Sandra Panos.
Andressa Alves went even closer when she fired wide with the goalkeeper all at sea. The final whistle tie remains perfectly poised as the two sides meet again on March 29 for a place in the last four.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
