The Camp Nou public address system was making its way through Roma’s line-up before the second leg of their Women’s Champions League quarter-final against Barcelona when it lingered on one name.
“With the number 14, Vicky Losada!” Cue huge applause around Barca’s iconic stadium.
“I’ve been preparing myself since February 10 so that when the moment comes, I know how to handle it well,” Losada told The Athletic five days before the match.
February 10 was when Roma were drawn against Losada’s former team Barcelona in the last eight of the Champions League. The former Arsenal and Manchester City midfielder spent three separate spells with the Catalan giants, coming through the youth ranks there and rising to become captain. But she never got the chance to play at Camp Nou — just before Barca women hosted city rivals Espanyol in their first match there in January 2021, Losada caught COVID-19.
So it was no wonder the 32-year-old walked out onto the pitch with a firm gaze on the grass and a grimace on her face as she tried to contain her emotions. With 54,667 fans looking down at Losada, a 17-year journey ran through her mind — from starting out at Barca to playing against them at the place which she has always considered home.
GO DEEPER
Special report: Barcelona…
