Barcelona's Sonia spurred by continued success

FC Barcelona's Sonia Bermúdez continues to set the example for others to follow after the forward finished as the Liga's joint-top scorer– or Pichichi – in the Catalans' title-winning campaign. That the 28-year-old completed the season in front of more than 25,000 supporters at Athletic Club's San Mamés seemed even more fitting.

Holding a one-point advantage over Barcelona, Athletic were favourites going into the last day of term on Sunday. Goals from Melanie Serrano and Kenti Robles in a 2-1 away victory, however, sealed the Blaugrana's second straight championship, Barça having clinched their maiden success 12 months ago.

"The truth is, there was no better setting to win the Liga and we were so happy to have beaten Athletic Club who were great rivals," Bermúdez told UEFA.com. "It was a credit to our hosts that the stadium was full. Playing in front of a crowd that big is something that could only happen here."



Having lost just twice in the entire top-flight campaign, Barça travelled to Athletic on the back of 12 consecutive wins. "The season has been excellent, especially after we lost our opening two matches," the striker added.

"People doubted us, and I think far too early, as we were beaten by teams it was no surprise to lose against. Despite that, we put in a very good second half of the season and that was the key to the title," she went on.

It was the Madrid native's fifth successive Primera División crown after three triumphs at Rayo Vallecano de Madrid and now two with Barcelona, where she signed in 2011. "I feel very fortunate. It hasn't really sunk in what I am living through at the moment and probably won't until time passes and I have retired," Sonia – almost certain to feature for Spain at UEFA Women's EURO 2013 in July – explained.

"Then it will hit me what I have achieved. Right now [past successes] are not on my mind – I want to keep winning and never tire of it. I know I am very fortunate to have won five Ligas, but I want more."

In her first term in Catalonia, Sonia earned plenty of attention by top-scoring with 38 Liga goals. This time she shared the Pichichi honours with Rayo's Natalia de Pablos after both registered 21 strikes. "My objective is to help the team. As well as scoring, I like to pull my weight in defence," Sonia said. "It's not all about the goals, there is a lot of work and sacrifice that makes up the effort."


Barcelona suffered disappointment at the hands of Arsenal LFC in the UEFA Women's Champions League round of 32, going down 7-0 on aggregate. But with the experience gained, Sonia believes they can look to improve in next season's competition.

"The UEFA Women's Champions League is a wonderful tournament but you need a bit of luck in the draw," she said. "We are not seeded and therefore know we will face a very difficult team, but what we have learned will help us. We have to try to enjoy ourselves and look to get as far as possible, without setting concrete objectives."