2023/24 UEFA Women's Champions League: Is Ona Batlle the key for FC Barcelona’s title defence?

There are only a handful of football players who make the game look easy, and it is not a stretch to say that Ona Batlle comfortably falls into that elite category.

Few defenders wield as much influence throughout a full 90 minutes, but the Spaniard consistently emerges as a pivotal figure in any match, whether it's for her club or the national team.

Having spent three years with Manchester United – a club on the rise as opposed to a club already at the pinnacle – Batlle has yet to experience playing in the UEFA Women’s Champions League.

This week, though, that all changes.

Back at FC Barcelona, the place where it all began for the 24-year-old, she is set to make her debut in the prestigious competition for the reigning champions in their group stage opener against Benfica.

As the two-time winners of the tournament aim to retain their title, Batlle could very well be be the linchpin in their pursuit of success.

Ona Batlle: Her rise to the top

Born in Vilassar de Mar, it didn’t take long for the young prospect to catch the eye of Catalan giants after spending a few years in her hometown.

In just two sessions, Batlle secured a spot at La Masia, providing her with the perfect environment to hone her craft.

However, when opportunities with the first team were scarce, she sought chances elsewhere, embarking on a year-long move to Madrid CFF, followed by a two-year stint with Levante.

Then came 2020, and with that a chance to step outside of her comfort zone with a move to a new country and a new league entirely.

Manchester United, entering their second year in the Women’s Super League, welcomed this unknown talent as then-manager Casey Stoney sought to strengthen her back line. This move proved transformative, culminating in Batlle earning the Player of the Year award by the end of the 20/21 campaig

Her game continued to evolve in the WSL, and a managerial shift at United, with Marc Skinner taking the helm, marked a period of significant growth for the 24-year-old.

Over the next two years, Batlle incorporated ball-carrying into her skill set, becoming integral to United's style of play and progression up the pitch.

“Marc and Martin (Ho, former United Women first-team coach) said to me: ‘Ona, you are really good. You have the speed. You can carry the ball as much as possible,’” she revealed in an interview with The Athletic.

That tactical tweak would allow her to become a hub for the Reds to play through, and in her final season in M16, she registered 10 WSL goal involvements - nine assists to be precise - from the right-back position, ranking her among the top creators in the league.

Despite her success at United, the allure of playing for the Barcelona first team always resonated with Ona. Consequently, she returned to the Catalan club once her contract with United concluded.

Surrounded by some of the world’s best, including Ballon d’Or winners Aitana Bonmati and Alexia Putellas, there is no doubt that she will soon be recognized as one of the planet's premier players—although, for many avid spectators, that recognition has already been well earned.

Batlle: Back home

Being a part of Barça's first team has always been the ultimate goal for Ona Batlle.

Regardless of the team or league she played in, her singular objective was to return home.

"It's always been my dream to play for Barca's first team," Batlle said upon signing for the club.

"It is true that I left before, but I did so with the mentality that it would serve me to come back.”

Unsurprisingly, the exceptionally talented defender seamlessly hit the ground running following her Women's FIFA World Cup win with Spain in the summer.

In fact, one might be forgiven for thinking that Batlle does not have a bad game in her repertoire, given how rarely she has one.

Already boasting four goal involvements in seven league games, she is picking up right where she left off when she departed M16.

The next challenge for the world champion comes in the form of the UEFA Women’s Champions League.

Barça’s upcoming game against Benfica on Tuesday, 14 November, at 21:00 CET, is set to be the Spaniard’s debut in this prestigious competition.

If her smooth transition into English football is any indication, she thrives in new environments and faces of new challenges.

Her consistent performances and influence, whether at left or right back, could very well serve as the catalyst for Barcelona’s potential third UWCL title.

One thing is certain, though: Ona Batlle is back where she belongs – and the accolades will soon follow.