2024/2025 Liga F: Why FC Barcelona can dominate Spanish women's football again

Barcelona are a force to be reckoned with when it comes to women’s football in Spain – and in Europe, too.

Five league titles on the bounce and two consecutive UEFA Women’s Champions League crowns are a continued reminder of just how good this side is.

Even with a new head coach taking the reigns this term, they are still expected to continue their dominance over Liga F.

While Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid are among those looking to topple the giant, here are four reasons why the Catalan club can retain their title for a sixth consecutive season.

• The three pillars of Aitana Bonmati’s roaring success

Best in the world: Aitana Bonmati

What makes Barcelona such a great team is their insistence on relying on every single person in their squad, not just the individual. Having said that, however, it helps to have the likes of Aitana Bonmati in your squad.

In 2023, the 25-year-old had a year like no other. From Ballon d’Or winner, FIFA’s ‘The Best’, UEFA Player of the Year to league winner, Champions League victor and World Cup champion – it doesn’t get much bigger, or better, than that.

In a star-studded squad, she stands out as one of the best. A slick playmaker who possesses the ability to decide the outcome of a game, there is a reason she is regarded as the best in the world.

History favours them

There is an air of untouchability about this club. For the last five years, they have dominated Liga F to the point of completely besting clubs that would once be considered rivals.

Atletico Madrid posed as their biggest rival for quite some time, pipping Barcelona to the title for three consecutive seasons between 2017 and 2019. They ended the Catalan club’s previous years of dominance, during which they won every campaign from 2012 to 2015.

But then came Lluis Cortes, who took over in 2019. The 38-year-old spent two years as their assistant coach before taking the wheel. It was at that point, something shifted in the Spanish league. He won the league in his only two seasons there and set this side on an upward trajectory.

Jonatan Giraldez assumed the position of head coach in 2021 and continued the streak, with every single league title picked up in truly dominating fashion.

It would take a truly special season from any of their rivals to stop this Barça side from winning the league for a sixth consecutive term.

A coach with the right approach

Among several impressive aspects of the Barça squad, one of the most remarkable is their continuity, regardless of who is at the helm. Cortes built a dynasty with this team, and Giraldez seamlessly continued that legacy.

Cortes did something no previous manager had ever done and led his side to a first-ever UEFA Champions League title. When he made the decision to leave, the club once more turned to their coaching staff where Giraldez was ready to continue building on what Cortes started. Four league titles and two Champions League trophies later, another term came to a close.

Barça believed their answer to the vacancy was - yet again - within their coaching staff in the form of Pere Romeu, who spent three years as Giraldez’s right-hand man. This approach seems to work for the Spaniards, who effectively help these young coaches hone their craft in a world-class set-up before promoting them to the biggest role of all. If history is to repeat itself, Liga F could be in for another half a decade of watching the culés win over and over again.

Strengthened in the window

Just when you think the Catalan club cannot get better on the pitch, they go into the transfer window and strengthen key areas of the pitch. Whether it is adding renowned names to their squad or up-and-coming stars, the lure of becoming a culé speaks to most players.

Ewa Pajor, one of their summer signings, joined from Wolfsburg on a free transfer. This move is not only smart business but also adds a much-needed focal point to their forward line. Where highly regarded attack Mariona Caldentey departed for Arsenal, they brought in a striker to fill those boots and complete their front three.

Then there is English goalkeeper Ellie Roebuck, who also joins on a free from Manchester City. Highly regarded in her position, she fell out of favour in the last season or so but was once tipped to be the Lionesses number one for years to come. If she can rediscover her form in Spain, this could be an exciting move for all parties.

Continuing their focus on acquiring some of Europe’s brightest young talents, Barça also added Portuguese prospect Kika Nazareth to their ranks. This is yet another strong transfer move that sets them up for success.