Real Madrid’s women’s team marked a monumental milestone with a startling 3-1 victory against the reigning Liga F champions, Barcelona. This encounter, held at the Olympic Stadium, was witnessed by nearly 36,000 spectators despite adverse weather conditions of rain and hail. Despite the loss, Barcelona still leads the league, four points clear of Madrid, and continues to dominate the Spanish football scene with five consecutive titles and a noteworthy quadruple last season.
This season, however, has seen Barcelona struggling to replicate their previous dominance. Their 46-game unbeaten run in Liga F came to an abrupt end in February with a loss to Levante at their own Johan Cruyff Stadium. Barcelona’s star midfielder, the two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas, expressed her disappointment, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of sports, “It’s part of sport, losing, winning or drawing. You can never be certain of winning.”
The Real Madrid women’s team, established in 2020 through the acquisition of CD Tacon, showcased their determination and skill in this electrifying match. Alba Redondo pushed Madrid ahead just before halftime, but Caroline Graham Hansen of Barcelona equalized in the 67th minute. The match turned controversial when Jana Fernandez’s goal for Barcelona was nullified for offside—a call met with widespread dispute and compounded by the absence of VAR in Liga F.
Undeterred, Scotland’s Caroline Weir propelled Madrid into the lead in the 87th minute and then sealed the victory with another goal during stoppage time. After the match, a jubilant Redondo spoke to DAZN, recognizing the significance of their victory, “Clasicos are Clasicos. It was a great atmosphere. We have a strong team, and we always believe in our ability to win all games.”
Looking ahead, Real Madrid will carry a 2-0 lead into their upcoming Women’s Champions League quarter-final second leg against Arsenal. Meanwhile, Barcelona hopes to overcome a 4-1 lead in their match against Wolfsburg.
