Spain Women Football Makes History with Star Studded Starting XI

The Spanish women’s national team has etched one into the record book with a historic 7-1 victory over Portugal in the UEFA Nations League. For the first time ever, every player in the starting XI had ties to FC Barcelona — whether as current or former players. Eight of the starting lineup are current Barcelona stars:

• Irene Paredes
• Cata Coll
• Jana Fernández
• Aitana Bonmatí
• Alexia Putellas
• Patri Guijarro
• Clàudia Pina
• Salma Paralluelo

The remaining three starters — Leila Ouahabi (Manchester City), Laia Aleixandri (Manchester City), and Mariona Caldentey (Arsenal) — are all Barcelona alumni with varying tenures at the club:

• Aleixandri: Joined Barcelona’s academy in 2012 before moving to Atlético Madrid.
• Ouahabi: Spent nine years at Barcelona across two separate stints.
• Caldentey: Scored 73 goals in 203 appearances during her decade-long Barcelona career.

The reigning world champions dominated with goals from Salma Paralluelo, Aitana Bonmatí (2), Alexia Putellas (2), Mariona Caldentey, and Athenea del Castillo González. This massive victory solidified Spain’s position at the top of Group 3 in League A, trailed by England who was beaten by Belgium.