FC Barcelona Femení is set to kick off the 2026/27 Liga F campaign this Sunday at the Estadi Johan Cruyff, where they will face Costa Adeje Tenerife. However, head coach Pere Romeu enters the opening match of the domestic season dealing with significant personnel hurdles. Speaking in his pre-match press conference, reported by Catalan sports dailies Mundo Deportivo and Sport, Romeu confirmed that Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmatí will miss the fixture as she continues her recovery from a right ankle injury.
The reigning champions enter the new term aiming to defend their domestic crown following a stellar previous campaign where they accumulated 87 points out of a possible 90. Despite a solid pre-season featuring convincing victories against Montpellier and Brighton alongside a hard-fought draw with Manchester City, the squad faces a wave of physical setbacks right out of the gate.
Injury Concerns and Defensive Adjustments
The primary talking point ahead of Sunday evening’s encounter is the physical state of the squad. Pere Romeu addressed the media regarding several players currently sidelined or managing fitness issues. Aitana Bonmatí remains unavailable as she follows an individualized training regimen. Her absence was pre-planned prior to the pre-season to manage discomfort in her right ankle, the same joint she previously injured.
“Todavía no, está haciendo entrenamiento individualizado. Se irá reincorporando poco a poco, pero aún no está disponible”, explained Romeu, confirming that the midfield metronome needs more time to reach full match fitness.
Beyond Bonmatí, the medical room has accumulated additional names. Esmee Brugts is currently sidelined and has joined the injury list, though the coaching staff hopes to accelerate her return by next week. Van Asten is reportedly showing signs of recovery, while Gemma encountered a minor finger issue that likely rules her out of the weekend fixture. With defensive options stretched thin, Romeu admitted that the team will have to adapt: “Jugaremos con lo que tengamos”, he stated, pointing to a makeshift defensive setup for the opening weekend.
Integrating New Signings and Squad Ambitions
Despite the early-season injury crisis, Romeu expressed optimism regarding the squad depth and the integration of summer arrivals. FC Barcelona Femení completed four notable additions during the transfer window: Van Asten, Martina Fernández, Kerolin Nicoli, and Tyler McCamey.
“Estoy contento con las incorporaciones. Cuando vienes aquí, el tipo de partido es diferente a lo que vienes haciendo: dominar, jugar muy arriba… Están en un buen punto de adaptación”, noted Romeu, highlighting the smooth transition of the new faces into the demanding tactical philosophy of the club.
The Blaugrana manager emphasized the importance of maintaining high intensity from the opening whistle. With a schedule featuring one match per week until the end of September, Romeu views this initial phase as a crucial developmental window for the team to absorb tactical concepts. “Mañana quiero un equipo enérgico, entregado y motivado. Somos el Barça, se nos exige todo. Queremos luchar por todo, pero paso a paso y haciendo bien las cosas”, added the coach.
A Formidable Opening Test Against Costa Adeje Tenerife
While Barcelona must navigate their personnel shortages, their first opponent presents a robust challenge. Costa Adeje Tenerife finished fourth in the Liga F standings last season, outperforming traditional heavyweights such as Atlético de Madrid, Sevilla, and Madrid CFF.
Romeu warned his players against complacency, describing the visitors as an intensely competitive unit. “Será un partido exigente, contra un rival duro. Siempre es agresivo, intenso, va al duelo, se defiende con todas las jugadoras y puede contraatacar. Tendremos que sacar una versión buenísima para conseguir los tres puntos en casa, con nuestra gente”, analyzed the Barcelona boss.
The match at the Estadi Johan Cruyff marks the official defense of a title built on dominance and tactical superiority. Fans attending the stadium or following the action will witness how the coaching staff manages a depleted defensive line while launching the club’s quest for another historic treble. Detailed coverage of the match buildup, live commentary, and post-match reactions can be followed via reports from Mundo Deportivo and Sport.
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