24 August 2023
The Gamper Trophy goes to Barcelona in 2023. The hosts impressed, winning 5-0.
The evening was complicated from early on for Juventus Women, with the hosts leading 4-0 at half time. The goals came from Caroline Graham Hansen, an unlucky own goal from Martina Lenzini, Bruna Vilamala and Vicky Lopez. Maria Leon got their fifth in the second half.
A number of new Bianconere made their debuts, including Ella Palis, Maelle Garbino, Lindsey Thomas, Federica Cafferata and Gloria Sliskovic. Asia Bragonzi and Melissa Bellucci also appeared.
Despite the result, it was an important test to put minutes in the legs of our Bianconere, and to understand what work is needed before our first competitive games of the season.
The match
Barcelona got off to the strongest possible start, and had a chance inside two minutes that came close. Graham Hansen did get them in front just three minutes later.
Knowing the importance of the challenge, Juventus wanted to measure themselves against the European champions, even this early in pre-season. But Barcelona were suffocating and Juventus had to wait until the 18th minute for their first effort through Barbara Bonansea.
Barcelona kept playing well though, and Roberta Aprile had to make a good save moments later, and again shortly after. She was eventually beaten again through extreme misfortune as Amanda Nilden's attempted clearance hit Martina Lenzini and went in. Bruna then made it three.
But Juve kept trying, and Sofia Cantore broke through and went close, but after taking it around Sandra Panos she was well challenged. Vicky then made it four before the break.
Coach Joe Montemurro made changes at the break, bringing on Garbino and Palis, and the pace slowed down a little in the second half. Mapi Leon did add a fifth for the Catalan side though. That was where the scoring stopped, and Aprile made a fine save late on.
And so the Gamper Trophy goes to the hosts, but Juventus added useful minutes and preparation to their legs ahead of their qualification mini-tournament for the Women's Champions League.
The next game on the calendar is the trip to Seregno to face Como Women on Monday, August 28.
Coach Joe Montemurro's post-match comments
"I think in football you always have to not hide and confront against the best in the world and this is the best club team in the world, it’s as simple as that. For us it’s a great learning experience, a great understanding of where, hopefully, we can be one day. But I take nothing away from the exercise, it’s a beautiful tournament and we’re proud to be invited. As I said earlier, we thank them for allowing a humble team like us to come and play against them. For us it’s learning, it’s just learning. I must congratulate Barcelona, the squad, their football and what they’ve done for the game."
