Oshoala scores, assists as Barca spank Real Madrid in El Clasico
Barcelona Femeni recover from UWCL disappointment to pummel rivals
After watching from the bench for most of the game as FC Barcelona Femeni failed in their bid to win an unprecedented second treble, star striker Asisat Oshoala played a starring role for her side as they thrashed Real Madrid 4-0 in their Copa De La Reina semi-final El Clasico.
Coming into the match on the back of a damaging 3-1 defeat to Olympique Lyonnais in the UEFA Women’s Champions League final, Barca were in need of inspiration, and manager Jonatan Giraldez switched things around and handed Oshoala a starting berth. The Nigerian striker hit the frame of the goal in the opening minutes as her side sought a fast start before Lieke Martens opened the scoring after only 18 minutes as she finished off a cross from captain Alexia Putellas.
Oshoala showed her importance to the side as she twisted and turned before releasing Aitana Bonmati to score her side’s second after 47 minutes. The lead became three five minutes later when Mariona Caldentey turned home a corner from close range. Oshoala scored her side’s fourth in the 75th minute after rounding the keeper and slotting the ball into an empty net. The striker was subbed off afterward as she continues to work her way to full fitness.
FC Barcelona Femeni have now won the El Clasico six times this season alone and have qualified for the final of Copa De La Reina, where they will face Sporting Huelva. They have won the Copa De La Reina title six times in the last seven years and eight times overall.