Liga MX All-Stars 2-2 (3-4 pens) Barça Femení: Winning start to the tour

FC Barcelona began their Mexican tour on a high with a dramatic victory in a penalty shootout against a selection of Liga MX Femenil players (2–2, 4–3), in a match full of emotion and standout moments, played at the Estadio Universitario in Nuevo León.

Graham hits the bar, Ribeiro finds the net

Despite a delayed start due to a heavy electrical storm, neither the rain nor the lightning could dampen the spirits of the local fans, who turned out in force to welcome Barça. The Mexican XI included some familiar names for Barça supporters, including Andrea Pereira and Jenni Hermoso. Once the action got underway, Caroline Graham Hansen struck the crossbar with a fierce drive, but it was the hosts who opened the scoring through Stephanie Ribeiro, who cleverly flicked the ball home from close range on 27 minutes (1–0).

Instant reaction and Aleixandri’s return

Barça struck back immediately. Straight from the restart, a dangerous cross forced an own goal from Deneisha Blackwood under pressure from Graham (1–1). During the break, Barça coach Pere Romeu made ten outfield changes, giving fans the chance to witness the return of Laia Aleixandri, who played her first 45 minutes since rejoining the club.

Aitana puts Barça ahead, Guerrero sends it to penalties

With a fresh team on the pitch, Barça nearly took the lead when Claudia Pina hit the post following a sublime assist from Alexia Putellas. Moments later, Aitana Bonmatí finished off a slick team move with a pinpoint strike to turn the game around on 58 minutes (1–2).

The Catalans looked to be in control, but the Mexicans pushed hard in the final stages. Cata Coll made a brilliant save to deny a goal-bound header, but she couldn’t keep out a stunning long-range effort from Irene Guerrero (2–2), sending the game to penalties.

Perfect from the spot

In the shootout, Cata Coll stepped up again, saving Caro Jaramillo’s penalty, while Sarahí Ceceña fired her effort over the bar. Barça were flawless, with Alexia, Pina, Marta, and Aitana all converting to seal the win in Monterrey.

A solid start to the tour for Pere Romeu’s side, with promising signs including Aleixandri’s debut and clinical finishing from the penalty spot. Next up: Club América, this Sunday at 8pm CEST (12pm local time), before heading back to Barcelona.

MATCH STATS

Liga MX All-Stars: 2
Barça: 2

Liga MX All-Stars: Blanca Félix; Anika Rodríguez, Andrea Pereira, Greta Espinoza, Deneisha Blackwood; Karla Nieto, Amandine Henry, Jenni Hermoso; Sinoxolo Cesane, Charlyn Corral & Jacqueline Ovalle, Esthefanny Barreras, Valeria Zárate, Michel Fong, Julitha Singano, Nicolette Hernández, Irene Guerrero, Carolina Jaramillo, Ruth Bravo, Domenica Rodríguez, Joselyn Solís, Samantha Calvillo, Aerial Chavarín, Stephanie Ribeiro, Brenda Cerén, Alice Soto, Sarahí Ceceña, Alicia Cervantes, Scarlett Camberos & Diana García. 

Barça: Cata Coll; Aïcha, Paredes, María León, Brugts; Patri, C. Serrajordi, Sydney; Graham, Paralluelo & Kika. Substitutes: Batlle, Marta, Aleixandri, Lucía Corrales, Vicky, Aitana, Caño, Alexia, Pajor & Pina. 

Goals: 1-0, Ribeiro (min. 27); 1-1, Blackwood, en pròpia (min. 28); 1-2, Aitana (min. 58); 2-2, Irene Guerrero (min. 81).