Barcelona Femení return to Liga F action on Saturday, October 24, 2026, when they welcome Granada CF to the Estadi Johan Cruyff in a fixture that carries greater significance than the league table alone might suggest.
After suffering a surprising 2–1 defeat away to Real Sociedad on October 18, Pere Romeu’s side face an immediate test of their response. The Catalan giants remain top of Liga F with 18 points from seven matches, but their advantage over second-placed Real Madrid has narrowed to just two points.
Granada, meanwhile, arrive with renewed confidence following a dramatic 3–2 victory over DUX Logroño. Sitting eighth with 10 points, the visitors have demonstrated that they can compete in closely contested matches, even if facing Barcelona away represents an entirely different challenge.
For Barça, this is an opportunity to restore momentum, sharpen their attacking combinations and demonstrate that their recent setback was an exception rather than the beginning of a worrying trend.
Match Details
Fixture: FC Barcelona Femení vs Granada CF Femenino
Competition: Liga F Moeve 2026/27
Matchday: Round 8
Date: Saturday, October 24, 2026
Kick-off: 20:30 CEST (Barcelona)
Venue: Estadi Johan Cruyff, Sant Joan Despí
Barcelona Manager: Pere Romeu
Broadcast: DAZN, Teledeporte, Esport3, RTVE Play and 3Cat (territory dependent)
Recent Form: Barcelona Looking for a Response
Barcelona have enjoyed an impressive opening to their domestic campaign despite their latest setback. Six victories from seven league fixtures have produced 29 goals, an average of more than four per match.
Their defensive record has also been excellent, with only four goals conceded across those seven games. However, the defeat to Real Sociedad demonstrated that even a technically superior side can be punished when its attacking dominance is not matched by defensive security.
Barcelona’s recent results:
October 18: Real Sociedad 2–1 Barcelona
October 4: Barcelona 7–0 Real Madrid
September 30: Roma 0–6 Barcelona
September 26: DUX Logroño 0–2 Barcelona
September 23: Barcelona 5–2 Paris FC
September 18: Alavés 0–6 Barcelona
The 7–0 victory over Real Madrid remains one of the most emphatic statements of Barcelona’s season. Their high pressing, intelligent positional movement and ruthless finishing exposed the weaknesses of their biggest domestic rivals.
Equally significant was their 6–0 European victory against Roma, which highlighted the team’s ability to combine controlled possession with devastating acceleration in the final third.
Yet the Sociedad defeat offers an important reminder: dominating matches does not automatically guarantee victory.
Against Granada, Barcelona must translate possession into high-quality chances while remaining alert to counterattacks and second balls.
Granada’s Recent Form: An Opponent Gaining Confidence
Granada’s early-season record has been less spectacular but includes encouraging performances.
The visitors have won three, drawn one and lost three of their seven league fixtures, scoring eight goals and conceding eleven.
Their recent 3–2 victory over DUX Logroño was particularly valuable because it demonstrated attacking resilience and the ability to secure three points in a competitive encounter.
Granada’s recent results:
October 17: DUX Logroño 2–3 Granada
October 4: Granada 0–0 Eibar
September 26: Badalona 0–1 Granada
September 20: Granada 0–3 Deportivo
September 13: Alavés 1–0 Granada
September 7: Granada 3–2 Real Sociedad
Granada have collected seven points from their last three league matches, a meaningful improvement after consecutive defeats earlier in September.
Nevertheless, the contrast between the teams’ attacking records is substantial. Barcelona have scored 29 league goals, compared with Granada’s eight.
That difference helps explain why the home side enter as clear favourites, although Granada’s recent momentum gives them reasons to approach the contest with confidence rather than resignation.
Liga F Standings and Statistical Comparison
Barcelona: 1st place, 18 points, six wins, zero draws, one defeat.
Granada: 8th place, 10 points, three wins, one draw, three defeats.
Matches played: Barcelona 7, Granada 7
Goals scored: Barcelona 29, Granada 8
Goals conceded: Barcelona 4, Granada 11
Goal difference: Barcelona +25, Granada −3
Total shots: Barcelona 120, Granada 55
Total passes: Barcelona 4,663, Granada 2,338
The statistics underline Barcelona’s overwhelming advantage in ball circulation and attacking production.
Their 120 shots across seven matches translate to approximately 17.1 attempts per game, compared with Granada’s 7.9.
Barcelona have also attempted almost twice as many passes as Granada. That gap suggests a match in which the hosts will likely dictate possession and territory, forcing the visitors to defend for extended periods.
However, the challenge for Barça will be making that control productive rather than merely accumulating passes around Granada’s defensive structure.
Head-to-Head History: Barcelona’s Perfect Record
Barcelona have dominated the recent history of this fixture, winning all six meetings since Granada returned to the top flight in 2023.
February 21, 2026: Granada 0–2 Barcelona
October 19, 2025: Barcelona 2–0 Granada
March 30, 2025: Granada 0–2 Barcelona
September 28, 2024: Barcelona 10–1 Granada
May 4, 2024: Granada 1–4 Barcelona
October 21, 2023: Barcelona 6–1 Granada
Across these six meetings, Barcelona have scored 26 goals and conceded only three. They have also kept clean sheets in the three most recent encounters.
The historical record is particularly revealing because it demonstrates two different ways Barcelona can overcome Granada.
In the 2024 home meeting, Barça overwhelmed their opponents with a 10–1 victory, exploiting space and turning attacking superiority into an extraordinary scoreline.
However, the three most recent matches have ended 2–0, suggesting that Granada have become more capable of limiting the damage, even without finding a way to take points.
That distinction matters ahead of Saturday’s contest. Barcelona may dominate possession, but breaking down a disciplined defensive block could require patience and precise attacking movement.
Team News and Predicted Starting Lineups
Barcelona manager Pere Romeu must balance the immediate importance of securing three league points with the physical demands of an increasingly busy schedule.
The team face HB Køge in the UEFA Women’s Champions League on October 29, only five days after the Granada fixture. This creates an opportunity for selective rotation, particularly in midfield and attack.
Barcelona Injury and Availability Update
Kika Nazareth returned to a matchday squad ahead of the Real Sociedad encounter after several weeks out. Her involvement represents a potentially useful boost to Barcelona’s attacking options.
Vicky López, Laia Aleixandri and Clàudia Pina were reported absent from the squad for the Sociedad match, although their availability against Granada has not been independently confirmed. Their fitness should be assessed through the latest club squad announcement rather than assuming they remain unavailable.
Barcelona Predicted XI (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper: Cata Coll
Defenders: Aïcha Camara, Martina Fernández, Irene Paredes, Esmee Brugts
Midfielders: Patri Guijarro, Clara Serrajordi, Sydney Schertenleib
Forwards: Caroline Graham Hansen, Ewa Pajor, Kerolin
This is an editorial projection, not an official starting lineup.
Possible alternatives include Aitana Bonmatí, Kika Nazareth, Marta Torrejón, Renee Van Asten and Mayssa Baha, depending on fitness, selection and tactical priorities.
Aitana could be particularly valuable if Barcelona need additional creativity between Granada’s midfield and defensive lines.
Granada Predicted XI (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper: Yohana
Defenders: Jujuba Cardozo, Jenni López, Raquel Gil Villar, Paula Perea
Midfielders: Miku Ito, Daniela Miñambres, Leles
Attackers: Naiara López, Elene Guridi, Vera Molina
This is an illustrative lineup rather than a confirmed selection. The exact positions and personnel remain subject to the manager’s decisions.
Granada may choose an additional defensive midfielder or a more conservative wide player to reduce the spaces Barcelona typically exploit.
Tactical Analysis: How Barcelona Can Break Down Granada
1. Controlling the Midfield Through Positional Superiority
Barcelona’s possession game is built on coordinated movement, short passing combinations and intelligent occupation of spaces.
Patri Guijarro’s role is especially important. Operating near the base of midfield, she provides a passing outlet for defenders, changes the direction of attacks and helps protect the team when possession is lost.
Against Granada, Barcelona will likely attempt to establish numerical advantages in central areas before switching the ball toward the wings.
The challenge is not simply keeping possession. It is moving Granada’s defensive block far enough to create exploitable gaps.
If the visitors defend narrowly, Barcelona must stretch the pitch. If Granada attempt to press higher, Romeu’s side can exploit the spaces left behind their midfield.
2. Caroline Graham Hansen Against Granada’s Left Side
One of Barcelona’s most dangerous attacking weapons remains Caroline Graham Hansen.
The Norwegian winger combines close control, changes of pace and excellent decision-making to create opportunities in crowded spaces.
Her ability to isolate a defender in a one-against-one situation can destabilise an entire defensive structure.
Granada may respond by doubling up on Hansen, using a full-back and a midfielder to restrict her movement.
However, that approach creates another problem: committing two players to one winger can open passing lanes for Barcelona’s midfielders and overlapping defenders.
The key will be whether Barcelona can move the ball quickly enough to exploit those moments.
3. Ewa Pajor’s Movement Inside the Penalty Area
Ewa Pajor offers Barcelona a different attacking dimension.
While the team’s midfielders and wingers often attract attention through their technical combinations, Pajor’s off-ball movement can create separation from central defenders.
Her effectiveness depends on recognising the right moment to attack space behind the defensive line or move toward the near post.
Against a deep-lying opponent, Barcelona’s forwards must avoid becoming static.
Pajor’s runs, combined with cutbacks from wide areas, could prove more productive than repeatedly delivering hopeful crosses into a crowded penalty area.
4. Granada’s Counterattacking Opportunity
Granada’s most realistic attacking route may come through transitions.
When Barcelona push their full-backs high, the spaces behind them can become vulnerable if possession is lost in central areas.
Granada will need quick first passes, intelligent supporting runs and accurate decision-making to capitalise on those moments.
The visitors cannot expect to create a large volume of chances. Their success may depend on making a small number of attacking opportunities count.
Barcelona’s defensive midfielders and central defenders therefore have an important responsibility: maintaining balance even when the team appears to be in complete control.
5. Set Pieces and Second Balls
Set pieces could become significant if Granada successfully restrict open-play opportunities.
Barcelona possess enough technical quality to deliver dangerous corners and free kicks, while their defenders can provide an aerial presence inside the penalty area.
For Granada, defensive organisation at corners and free kicks will be essential.
They must also respond quickly to second balls, as Barcelona’s ability to sustain pressure often turns a partially cleared attack into another immediate opportunity.
Three Key Battles to Watch
Graham Hansen vs Granada’s Left-Sided Defence
Can Granada prevent Barcelona’s right winger from isolating defenders and delivering dangerous balls into the penalty area?
Ewa Pajor vs Granada’s Centre-Backs
Pajor’s movement and finishing could be decisive, especially if Barcelona create chances from cutbacks and through balls.
Patri Guijarro vs Granada’s Central Midfield
Controlling second balls, stopping counters and dictating the tempo will be central to Barcelona’s game plan.
Manager Insights: Pere Romeu’s Biggest Decisions
Pere Romeu faces three important questions before kick-off.
First, how much should Barcelona change after losing to Real Sociedad? A strong response may favour continuity, but fresh legs could provide additional intensity.
Second, how should Barcelona balance Liga F with the upcoming Champions League fixture? With European competition approaching, careful workload management is important.
Third, can Barcelona improve their defensive reactions when possession breaks down?
Romeu has previously highlighted Sydney Schertenleib’s tactical intelligence and adaptability, qualities that could make the young midfielder particularly valuable during a period requiring flexibility across several positions.
No verified match-specific pre-match quotation from Romeu or Granada’s coaching staff was found in the sources reviewed. Rather than attribute invented statements to either manager, these are the main tactical questions likely to shape their preparations.
Where to Watch Barcelona Femení vs Granada Live
The official Liga F match listing identifies several broadcasters for Saturday’s game.
Spain: DAZN, Teledeporte
Spain online: RTVE Play
Catalonia: Esport3, 3Cat
International: Check local DAZN rights and Liga F listings.
Coverage depends on location and subscription rights.
Fans can also follow official club social media accounts and the Liga F match centre for score updates, team sheets and match events.
What Barcelona Must Do to Win
For Barcelona, the route to victory involves more than simply dominating possession.
They must start with intensity, move the ball quickly across Granada’s defensive structure and create scoring opportunities before the visitors settle into a comfortable rhythm.
An early goal would significantly change the contest. Granada would then face the difficult choice of maintaining a defensive approach or committing more players forward and potentially exposing additional spaces.
Barcelona must also avoid the defensive lapses that can turn an apparently controlled match into a difficult evening.
If the home side combine their usual attacking creativity with disciplined defensive positioning, they should have the quality to secure all three points.
Match Prediction: Barcelona Femení vs Granada
Predicted score: Barcelona Femení 4–0 Granada CF.
Barcelona enter as strong favourites despite their recent defeat to Real Sociedad.
Their superior attacking numbers, home advantage and perfect recent head-to-head record make a convincing victory the most plausible outcome.
Granada’s improved form suggests they could offer resistance, particularly during the opening stages, but sustaining defensive concentration against Barcelona’s attacking depth for 90 minutes will be extremely difficult.
A 4–0 victory would represent a strong response from Pere Romeu’s team while helping rebuild confidence ahead of their next European challenge.
What’s Next for Barcelona Femení?
Following Saturday’s fixture, Barcelona will turn their attention to their UEFA Women’s Champions League encounter away to HB Køge on Thursday, October 29.
They then return to Liga F action against Badalona Women on November 1.
The upcoming schedule makes the Granada match particularly important. A victory would restore momentum while allowing Barcelona to approach their European assignment with renewed confidence.
Final Verdict: An Opportunity to Send a Message
Barcelona Femení’s defeat to Real Sociedad has added an unexpected layer of intrigue to Saturday’s meeting with Granada.
For the first time in this league campaign, the Catalan giants must respond to a domestic defeat rather than simply extend a winning sequence.
That response will reveal something important about the team’s mentality, tactical flexibility and ability to handle pressure.
Granada deserve respect for their recent improvement, but the statistics, historical record and individual quality all favour Barcelona.
The expectation is that Pere Romeu’s players will take control, create sustained attacking pressure and return to winning ways.
Predicted final score: Barcelona Femení 4–0 Granada CF.
For Barça supporters, the central question is not simply whether Barcelona can win. It is whether they can produce the kind of complete performance that reminds their rivals why they remain the team to beat in Spanish women’s football.





