Teenager Salma Paralluelo gave Barcelona victory over Women’s Champions League debutants Roma in the first leg of their quarter-final.
Paralluelo’s curling strike gave Barca a narrow first-half lead in front of a crowd of 39,454 – the largest for a women’s game in Italy.
But last year’s finalists were given a scare at Stadio Olimpico.
Several missed chances by Barcelona almost proved costly as Roma threatened heavily late on.
Barcelona’s Asisat Oshoala, Aitana Bonmati and Caroline Graham Hansen were all denied, while further chances were spurned by the 2021 champions, particularly after the break.
The Spanish giants, who have reached three finals in the past four years, were frustrated by Roma goalkeeper Camelia Ceasar’s inspired display.
Ceasar made several crucial saves to block Oshoala in the second half, having kept out Graham Hansen and Bonmati before the break, and Oshoala’s header was also cleared off the line by defender Elena Linari.
Roma, who were given a standing ovation by home fans at half-time for their efforts, had a flurry of chances in the second half and grew into the game.
Valentina Giacinti’s shot was deflected inches over the bar by Maria Leon before the Italians showed a glimpse of their threat on the counter-attack when Emilie Haavi later forced a smart save from Barcelona’s Sandra Panos.
Andressa Alves struck wide and Manuela Giugliano had a powerful effort tipped over the bar with less than 10 minutes remaining, before Giacinti almost equalised in the final minute from a smart free-kick routine.
Roma are seeking to reach the semi-finals in their first European campaign and will travel to Nou Camp for the second leg on Wednesday, 29 March after Barcelona face Real Madrid in Saturday’s El Classico.
Source – BBC Sport
Share your thoughts