Mariona Caldentey meets Guillem Balague
4/25/202633 min
Ahead of the Women’s Champions League semi-finals, Guillem Balague sits down with Spain and Arsenal midfielder Mariona Caldentey, who is personally aiming going for a fourth consecutive UWCL win, and a fifth overall.
Mariona gives us an insight into her childhood on the island of Mallorca, moving to Barcelona aged 18 and how she’s adapted since moving to Arsenal back in 2024.
Plus, the pair look ahead to facing European giants Lyon in the semi-finals this season, just how much the Champions League means to her and of course discuss the growing rivalry in the women’s game that is Spain vs the Lionesses!
Commentary of both legs of Arsenal’s semi-final against Lyon will be on 5 Sports Extra and BBC Sounds.
TIMECODES: 00:46 - Mariona sits down with Guillem. 01:17 - Mariona tells us about her childhood in Felanitx, on the island of Mallorca. 06:40 - On joining Barcelona at 18 years old. 08:50 - On moving to Arsenal back in the summer of 2024 and how she’s adapted. 12:24 - On the recognition she achieved during her first season in England. 15:45 - On her club captain Kim Little and playing at the Emirates. 21:20 - Looking back on last year’s Champions League win. 22:40 - Looking ahead to this year’s Champions League semi-final against Lyon. 28:50 - On the developing rivalry between Spain and the Lionesses.
Clips
Transcript preview
First 90 secondsSpeaker 00:00
This BBC podcast is supported by ads outside the UK. [electronic tone] Today's episode is sponsored by SmartTravel, a podcast from NerdWallet. You know that one friend who always finds the best travel deals, picks the right credit cards, and somehow ends up in first class for the price of coach? SmartTravel is like that friend, but in podcast form. NerdWallet's travel journalists sort out what's worth paying for, from lounge access to travel advisors to hotel loyalty programs. Make your travel dollars work harder. Follow SmartTravel on your favorite podcast app.
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Speaker 01:03
[electronic tone] [upbeat music] This is the Football Daily podcast.
Speaker 31:09
On BBC Sounds.
Guillem Balague· Host1:11
Welcome to a special edition of the Football Daily podcast. I'm Guillem Balague, and ahead of the Women's Champions League semifinals, I've had the pleasure of sitting down with Spain and Arsenal midfielder Mariona Caldentey. After a hugely successful first season at Arsenal, she's hoping to