Immediately after winning her latest global award, Spanish playmaker Aitana Bonmati scored a goal to help Barcelona reach the quarter-finals of the Women’s Champions League as group winners.
Bonmati raced and shot through the goalkeeper’s legs to score Barcelona’s second goal in Wednesday’s 3-0 victory over Manchester City in their final Group D match.
The result equaled City’s victory in the October match between the teams in Manchester and meant they finished group play with a 15-point draw. Barca moved into first place thanks to their better goal difference.
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Bonmati, who has won the last two Ballon d’Or awards in women’s football, was named Women’s Player of the Year in FIFA’s “The Best” poll on Tuesday – the second year in a row she has won the award.
Clàudia Pina drove low into the corner to put Barcelona ahead in the 44th, with Bonmati doubling their lead in the 57th. Alexia Putellas scored from outside the penalty area in the 67th minute to increase the score to 3-0.
City have already secured their place in the knockout stages, but will advance as runners-up.
The other group winners are Lyon, Chelsea and Bayern Munich or Arsenal, who will meet on Wednesday to decide who will win Group C.
In the second match of Group D, the Swedish club Hammarby defeated St. Polten 2:1 and took third place.
