UWCL: Paralluelo's Goal Enough As Barca Femeni Claim First Leg Win Over Roma

Barcelona Femeni secured a hard-fought 1-0 win over Roma in the first leg of the UEFA Women's Champions League quarter-final at the Stadio Olimpico.

Salma Paralluelo proved to be the difference maker with a superb low curling shot from the edge of the box in the 11th minute, which marked her first-ever goal in the competition. However, the goal was not without controversy, as Roma players protested that there was a foul in the build-up to the goal.

Barcelona, who have been in sublime form in Liga F, winning all 22 of their games this season, dominated proceedings from the outset.

The Catalan giants had almost 40,000 supporters cheering them on, and they put on a commanding display, with Maria Leon and Caroline Graham Hansen coming close to scoring.

Roma goalkeeper Camelia Ceaser was kept busy with a string of saves, including a brilliant point-blank stop to deny Asisat Oshoala. Roma grew into the game as it progressed and almost found an equalizer when Vicky Losada got in behind the Barcelona defence but was unable to convert the chance.

The final whistle signalled a perfectly poised tie, as the two sides are set to meet again on March 29 for a place in the last four. Barcelona will be looking to defend their slim lead, while Roma will be hoping to overturn the deficit and book a place in the semi-finals.