Barcelona's women’s team thrashed Real Sociedad 8-0 on Saturday to secure their 10th Copa de la Reina title, setting a new record and keeping their hopes of a historic quadruple alive.
The Spanish champions wasted no time asserting their dominance in Zaragoza, with Ona Batlle opening the scoring just five minutes in. Salma Paralluelo soon followed with a header to double the lead.
Caroline Graham Hansen, having a stellar season, scored twice in quick succession, netting the third and fourth goals for Barcelona. Full-back Batlle added her second before halftime, making it 5-0 at the break.
Despite replacing Ballon d'Or winner Aitana Bonmati with two-time winner Alexia Putellas at halftime, Barcelona continued to pile on the misery for Real Sociedad. Mariona Caldentey struck twice, and Claudia Pina also found the net, setting a new record for the most goals scored in a Copa de la Reina final, surpassing their 6-1 victory over Huelva in 2022.
"Today's work is done, but the season's is not -- we still have a final to go," said Caldentey, highlighting the team's ongoing quest for silverware.
Barcelona, who clinched their fifth consecutive Liga F title with four games to spare and won the Spanish Super Cup in January, now have their sights set on a third Champions League triumph. They will face French giants Lyon in the final on May 25 in Bilbao.
Last season, Barcelona's quadruple dreams were dashed after being expelled from the Copa de la Reina for fielding an ineligible player, a setback that saw Atletico Madrid lift the trophy.
This victory marks Barcelona's fourth Copa de la Reina title in the past five years. Coach Jonatan Giraldez, who is set to leave at the end of the season, has now won nine trophies out of a possible 11 during his tenure. His final match will be the Champions League final against Lyon, a fitting climax to his successful stint with the club.
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