Nigerian forward Asisat Oshoala has helped Barcelona secure a place in the semi-finals of the Women’s Champions League after the team thrashed Roma 5-1 in a thrilling encounter on Wednesday. The match, held at the iconic Camp Nou stadium, saw Oshoala score her team’s third goal in the second half, sealing their victory with a comfortable 6-1 aggregate score.
Barcelona, who are favorites to win the tournament this season, had struggled in the first leg in Rome, where they had only managed a slender 1-0 win. However, they quickly found their rhythm in the second leg, with Swedish international Fridolina Rolfo scoring twice in the first half and Mapi Leon adding a spectacular long-range effort.
Oshoala, who has been in exceptional form this season, netted her close-range goal after the break, while Patri Guijarro headed home the fifth from a corner. Although Annamaria Serturini pulled one back for Roma, it was too little too late against a dominant Barcelona side that has won all their games in the Spanish league this season, with only one defeat against Bayern Munich in the group phase of the Champions League.
Barcelona coach Jonatan Giraldez praised his team’s performance and their hopes for the tournament, stating, “We can’t hide that our aspirations are at the max. Olympique (Lyon) and Chelsea are the best in Europe, it’s a reality and it will be difficult, but it’s true that playing the second leg at home gives us a feeling of strength.”
With this victory, Barcelona has reached the semi-finals of the Women’s Champions League for the fifth consecutive season, and will now face either defending champions Lyon or Chelsea in the last four. Oshoala, who has been a key player in the team’s success, is set to continue her impressive form as she aims to help Barcelona clinch their first-ever Champions League title.
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Joseph Omoniyi
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