Barça wins narrowly: Rolfö breaks the deadlock from the penalty spot

The first half at Mestalla ended in a 0-0 draw after 45 minutes in which Valencia showed defensive solidity and order, while Barça could not find its best version. The home team, well positioned and betting on long counterattacks, managed to stop a Barça team that was struggling to generate clear danger.

Valencia gave an early warning, taking advantage of an error in Barça's ball out, but Martí was unable to finish off his shot. For their part, the culés had several approaches: a shot by Vicky López and shots by Aitana and Pina that did not find the goal or ran into the rival defense. The clearest chance came when Jana Fernandez forced Canales to make a great save to clear the ball for a corner.

The match had moments of tension, with several yellow cards, including one for home manager Cristian Toro for protesting. Barça, although dominant in possession, did not have the fluidity or precision that is usual in its associations.

In the second half, Barça came out with more intensity and managed to impose itself on Valencia to take the narrow victory. From the start, the blaugranas showed their intention to break the tie and, after a penalty committed on Vicky López, Rolfö converted the 0-1 with a shot close to the post that was impossible for Canales.

Valencia tried to react with changes and some isolated approaches, but Barça controlled the pace of the match, although without much clarity in the final meters. The visitors had several opportunities to extend the lead, such as a shot from Pajor or a long-range shot from Brugts, both well resolved by Canales.

The scare came with the injury of Graham Hansen, forcing his substitution by Salma Paralluelo, who starred The last attempts by the Catalans were unsuccessful in their attempts.

Despite Valencia's insistence, the locals were unable to worry Gemma Font too much, and Barça managed to maintain their advantage until the final whistle.

Alexia is making progress in her recovery and is aiming for Wednesday

A positive piece of news for Barça was the participation of Alexia Putellas in part of Saturday's training session, taking an important step in her recovery from the injury to the triceps surae in her right leg. After completing the three weeks expected to be out, the club is still monitoring her progress to assess whether she will be able to help the team in Wednesday's duel against the English team.

Match technical sheet and summary:

• FC Barcelona, ​​1: Gemma; Mapi; J.Fernández (Batlle, min 64); Marten; A.Bonmatí Rölfo (Brugts, min 58); E. Pajor; Kika; Vicky (Graham, min 58; Paralluelo, min 73); I.Engen; Pineapple (Guijarro, min 66).
• Valencia, 0: Canals; Florentine; Car; Marquis; Mrabet; Verdeguer; Pauleta; Sheriff (Silva, min 71); Esteve (Ortiz, min 85): Martí (San Nicolas, min 85); Browne (Mascarell, min 71)
• Goals: 0-1, M.54: F. Gölfo;
• Referee: Lorena Trujillano Gallardo

In the next match, the Blaugrana team will face Manchester City, on Wednesday 15 December at 18:45 hours on matchday 6 of the Women’s Champions League. Remember that you can follow all the information about Barça women's football on the FCBN website.