Nov 21, 2024, 04:17 PM ET
In a stunning display of skill and determination, Barcelona midfielder Alexia Putellas celebrated a monumental milestone by scoring her 200th goal for the Catalan club during Thursday’s UEFA Champions League encounter against Austrian side St. Pölten.
Demonstrating her exceptional talent, Putellas unleashed a powerful left-footed shot into the corner of the net in the 57th minute, extending Barcelona’s lead to 4-0 and setting them firmly on the path to securing three consecutive European victories after an unexpected defeat to Manchester City in October.
Her remarkable goal underscores Putellas’ impressive resurgence this season as the illustrious two-time Ballon d’Or winner appears to be regaining her peak form following a serious ACL injury that sidelined her for most of the 2022-23 season.
Although she made a return to full training last year, consistency was a challenge, as she had to accept a spot on the bench for the Champions League final against Lyon, where she ultimately made a significant impact by scoring the decisive goal.
New Barça head coach Pere Romeu has revitalized her role by consistently including her in the starting lineup this term, and Putellas has responded emphatically with an impressive tally of 10 goals and five assists across all competitions.
“When I started at the club, I never imagined I could reach 200 goals,” Putellas expressed in an interview with Diario Sport. “It’s a figure we usually see more with strikers.”
With this achievement, Putellas has cemented her place as the all-time leading scorer in the history of Barça’s women’s team, having surpassed Jenni Hermoso’s previous record of 181 goals last season. Notably, the top five goal scorers also include Sonia Bermúdez with 123 goals, Asisat Oshoala with 117, and Mariona Caldentey with 115.
Her remarkable 199th goal, netted against arch-rivals Real Madrid earlier in November, propelled her past legendary forward Luis Suárez, who scored 198 goals, placing her firmly in the top three of goal-scoring legends in both the men’s and women’s teams combined, following iconic figures like Lionel Messi with 672 goals and César Rodríguez with 232 goals.
At just 30 years old, Putellas has accomplished a monumental feat, making over 400 appearances for the first team. Throughout her illustrious career, she has amassed a staggering array of accolades, including eight league titles and three Champions League trophies, not to mention being twice honored as the best player in the world.
How does Alexia Putellas’ performance impact the morale and dynamics of the FC Barcelona team moving forward?
**Interview with Sports Analyst Maria Gonzalez on Alexia Putellas’ Remarkable Comeback**
**Date:** November 21, 2024
**Interviewer:** Sam Marsden
**Guest:** Maria Gonzalez, Sports Analyst
**Sam Marsden:** Maria, thanks for joining us today. Let’s start with the exciting news of Alexia Putellas scoring her 200th goal for FC Barcelona during the UEFA Champions League match against St. Pölten. How significant is this milestone for her and the club?
**Maria Gonzalez:** Thanks for having me, Sam. Alexia’s 200th goal is a monumental achievement, not just for her but for the entire club. It highlights her extraordinary talent and longevity in the sport. Given the backdrop of her recent struggles with a serious ACL injury, this goal represents not only a personal victory but also a testament to her resilience. Scoring in a pivotal match like this underlines her role as a key player for Barcelona, especially as they navigate a challenging season.
**Sam Marsden:** Absolutely, and the timing couldn’t be better as Barcelona looks to secure three consecutive victories after an earlier setback against Manchester City. What do you think this means for team morale?
**Maria Gonzalez:** It’s huge for morale. When a player of Alexia’s caliber performs at such a high level, it can uplift the entire squad. Her goal in the 57th minute further extended the team’s lead, reinforcing their dominance in that match. It shows that she is not just back, but she is back to being a game-changer, which can inspire her teammates to elevate their own performances.
**Sam Marsden:** You mentioned her ACL injury earlier. Can you elaborate on her journey back to form? It must have been a challenging road.
**Maria Gonzalez:** Certainly. Alexia faced a long and difficult rehabilitation process after her ACL injury sidelined her for most of last season. It’s a mentally taxing experience, and there were moments when it must have felt overwhelming. After returning to training, she had to grapple with finding her rhythm again, particularly having to accept starting on the bench in critical matches, like the Champions League final last year. Yet, she still managed to make a significant impact by scoring the decisive goal. Her determination is truly inspiring, and it serves as a reminder of her elite mentality.
**Sam Marsden:** With the new head coach, Pere Romeu, how do you see Alexia fitting into the team’s plans moving forward?
**Maria Gonzalez:** Pere Romeu’s appointment brings fresh tactics and expectations, and I believe Alexia will be central to his strategy. Her experience, vision, and creativity make her indispensable in midfield. As she continues to regain her peak form, I expect her to take on more leadership responsibilities on the pitch. She embodies the fighting spirit of Barcelona, and under Romeu, she has the opportunity to flourish once again.
**Sam Marsden:** Thank you, Maria. It’s clear that Alexia Putellas’ journey from injury to scoring milestones is an inspiring story for many, and it will be intriguing to see how her season unfolds.
**Maria Gonzalez:** Thank you, Sam. I look forward to witnessing more of her brilliance this season!