Aitana Bonmati Return Boosts Barcelona For Women's Champions League Semi-Final

Barcelona are set to regain Aitana Bonmati for the Women's Champions League semi-final return leg. The tie with Bayern Munich stands at 1-1 after the first meeting in Germany. Barcelona now welcome Bayern to Estadi Johan Cruyff, where recent home form in Europe has been dominant. Bonmati's recovery adds another option for head coach Pere Romeu in a key knockout match.

Romeu confirmed Bonmati is ready to rejoin the squad after a lengthy absence through injury. The midfielder has not played since November, when a broken bone in the leg occurred on Spain duty. Bonmati resumed working with the first team earlier in April but has waited for full clearance. Romeu explained that final assessments will be made across the remaining training sessions.

Before the setback, Bonmati was one of Barcelona's main threats in domestic competition. The 28-year-old recorded six league goals and three assists across 11 appearances. In Europe, Bonmati played a central role as Barcelona finished top in the league phase. Bonmati, a three-time Ballon d'Or winner, now returns at a crucial stage of the continental campaign.

Pere Romeu outlined Bonmati's status while speaking to broadcaster TV3 about the Bayern second leg. "She will be available, Barca boss Romeu told TV3. We will see how the remaining two sessions go before the Bayern game, but she has already completed several sessions." Romeu indicated that workload management will guide the final decision on minutes.

Romeu also described one of Barcelona's recent workouts, which Bonmati completed without setbacks. "[On Wednesday] we had a good session using big spaces, and she came through it without any problems. She will be available on Sunday." Barcelona scheduled two more sessions before facing Bayern at Estadi Johan Cruyff.

Barcelona hold a clear historical edge over Bayern in home Champions League meetings. All three previous encounters in Spain ended with Barcelona victories by a combined 11-1 score. That includes a 7-1 win earlier this season during the league phase, also at Estadi Johan Cruyff. Bayern must now overturn both that record and the current 1-1 aggregate score.

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Overall, Barcelona's home performances in the competition have been strong during recent seasons. The team have won 32 of the last 34 home fixtures in the Women's Champions League. The remaining two matches produced one draw and one defeat. Across the most recent nine home games, Barcelona have nine straight wins and a 48-4 aggregate.

With the semi-final delicately balanced, Bonmati's return gives Barcelona extra creativity and experience in midfield. Bayern approach a major test against a side with powerful form at Estadi Johan Cruyff. The Spanish champions now combine a strong record at home with the boost of a key player rejoining selection.