How 'Barca way' continues despite big-name exits

What the report says

Arsenal travel to face a significantly changed Barcelona side in the Women’s Champions League on Thursday, with the Spanish club having lost several major names over the summer. Among the departures were Alexia Putellas, Mapi Leon, Ona Batlle and Salma Paralluelo, all of whom had been central to Barcelona’s recent success. Even so, BBC Sport reports that Barcelona remain in strong form, having won their first three league-phase matches and scored 19 goals.

The article explains that Barcelona’s resilience is rooted in a long-standing playing identity associated with the club and with the wider Spanish game. That approach, often linked to Johan Cruyff’s influence, is developed through the club’s La Masia academy and emphasizes technical control, positional understanding and seamless movement between roles. Esmee Brugts, who joined Barcelona in 2023, said the team is still learning and building through small details, while manager Renee Slegers described Barcelona’s style as clear and highly consistent even when the lineup changes.

Barcelona’s depth has also been strengthened by younger players stepping in, helping the club stay competitive as it aims to defend the European and domestic trophies it won last season. For Arsenal, the match offers a test against a side that has already shown it can absorb star departures without losing its overall identity or ambition.