Barcelona Women are now more than one step closer to the UEFA Women’s Champions League final in Lisbon. Their 4-1 victory over Chelsea in the first leg demonstrated that despite Sonia Bompastor’s efforts to contain Barcelona’s signature attacking play, it’s the players’ talent that continues to make the difference.

Eva Pajor remains Europe’s top scorer, as proven by her opening goal in this match. In her first season with Barcelona, she has now scored 35 goals. Claudia Pina, in peak form with one assist and two goals in this game, solidified her position as the Champions League’s top scorer, showing that no one could have better filled the void left by Mariona, who moved to Arsenal. Caroline Graham Hansen’s consistent performances demonstrate that individual awards will inevitably follow.

However, it’s Putellas’ leadership as captain, her consistent presence in the starting lineup, and her recovery from a serious injury that kept her sidelined for a year that have transformed Barcelona into a magical team. She missed a penalty early in the game but grew into the match afterward. Her brilliant assist for the first goal and another trademark assist were key moments.

In the most important match of the season, she delivered a stellar performance. Her incredible backheel pass for the fourth goal, which she dedicated to Pina, proved that this queen has not only returned but reached the same level that earned her the Ballon d’Or in 2021 and 2022.

At 31 years old, after renewing her contract with Barcelona, Putellas is once again the player who captivated the world with her brilliance. Beyond her step-overs, goals, and dribbles, she sparked a social revolution in Catalonia and now awaits what could be her third Ballon d’Or in 2025.