Barcelona Femenà stormed to victory in the Spanish Women's Super Cup but their resulting medal ceremony was underwhelming to say the least.
The Catalonian side beat Real Sociedad 3-0 to retain the Super Cup and continue their unprecedented dominance of Spanish women's football of late.
A double from Aitana Bonmati and one goal from Asisat Oshoala proved to be the difference in the end, with Sociedad mustering just two shots on target all game.
It was another spellbinding performance by Barca, who have lost just one game all season and remain on course for the treble this year.
But despite adding another trophy to their ever-expanding cabinet, Jonatan Giráldez's side were not afforded a hero's reception after their victory.
TURIN, ITALY - MAY 20: Aitana Bonmati of FC Barcelona looks on at Juventus Stadium on May 20, 2022 in Turin, Italy. FC Barcelona will face Olympique Lyonnais in the UEFA Women's Champions League final on May 21, 2022. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images)
Why were Barcelona players left to award their own medals?
Typically, teams that win the Super Cup final have been greeted and congratulated by the Spanish president, who then proceeds to hand out winners' medals.
Yet, in this case, the Barca players were unusually left to pick up their silverware themselves.
Judging by the reaction of the players, it seems many felt a little hard done by and it's easy to understand why.
VIDEO: Barcelona players collect medals themselves after Spanish Super Cup victory
This is because both Barcelona and Real Sociedad are locked in a dispute with the Spanish Football Federation at present, regarding the treatment of the national team.
Indeed, a number of Spanish players were reportedly unhappy with head coach Jorge Vilda and criticised the toxic atmosphere in the dressing room, his team selection and his training sessions.
In response, the Spanish federation stuck by Vilda and insisted those who lambasted Vilda apologise if they wished to be allowed back on the team.
It’s now been reported by Marca that RFEF representatives did not want pictures with “Las 15†– the Barcelona players who are speaking out against the Spanish federation.
In the end, someone was called upon to deliver the Player of the Match award to Aitana Bonmati, but the presentation was short and sweet as you can see below.
VIDEO: Aitana Bonmati presented MVP award after Super Cup win
Barcelona's impressive season continues
Last season, Barcelona narrowly missed out on the treble after losing in the Women's Champions League final to Lyon.
Between June 2021 and April 2022, they achieved the Guinness world record for the most consecutive victories in all competitions, with 45.
This year, however, the team are arguably even stronger, despite Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas currently being sidelined.
BARCELONA, SPAIN - DECEMBER 21: Fridolina Rolfo of Barcelona celebrates with team mates after scoring her team's fourth goal of the game during the UEFA Women's Champions League group D match between FC Barcelona and FC Rosengard at Camp Nou on December 21, 2022 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)
England stars Lucy Bronze and Keira Walsh have both joined the side from Manchester City, while Brazilian forward Geyse arrived from Madrid C.W last summer.
Barcelona are currently unbeaten domestically and have won all 14 of their league matches so far –– scoring 56 goals and conceding just four.
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