Nigeria international Asisat Oshoala and Barcelona clinched another Spanish Primera Iberdrola title yesterday after beating fellow contenders Real Madrid 5-0 at the Estadio Johan Cruyff.
Despite beating Atletico Madrid 2-0 last week, Real Madrid needed to beat holders Barcelona to delay the Catalans’ celebration and also stand a chance at the title, which will be the capital club’s first-ever but failed in their efforts.
Without the services of Oshoala, who had been sidelined for 10 weeks due to injury, the defending champions made a strong start to their bid for the crown when Alexia Putellas broke the deadlock in the 41st minutes to put the hosts in front.
On gaining the crucial lead, Barca wasted no time and doubled two minutes later with the reigning FIFA Best Women’s Player of the Year grabbing her brace.
In the second half, Patri Guijarro and Jenni Hermoso strikes plus Babeett Peter’s own goal ensured that Barcelona guaranteed their third consecutive title triumphs and record seventh overall with six games to spare.
Spanish manager Jonatan Giráldez’s Barca are champions again with 72 points from winning all 24 league matches, 22 above closest challengers Real Sociedad with 129 goals difference.
For injured Oshoala, she still remains the front-runner in the race for the top-flight league golden boot this season, with 19 goals from 16 games – just one above Madrid CFF’s Geyse with six matches left to play.
Just a few days ago, the Nigerian extended her stay at Barcelona until 2024 summer last week, Sunday’s victory takes Oshoala’s total tally of trophies to 10 with 80 goals in 101 appearances.
