Barcelona Blow Real Madrid Away In First Leg
Barcelona took a huge step towards the Women’s Champions League semi-finals after thrashing Real Madrid 6-2 in the first leg of their quarter-final clash.
The three-time European champions started with intent and broke the deadlock after just six minutes. Patri Guijarro clipped a smart pass over the Real Madrid defence, and Alexia Putellas squared the ball for Ewa Pajor to finish.
Fast Start Puts Barca In Control
Barcelona doubled their lead only seven minutes later. Vicky Lopez delivered a cross into the box, and Esmee Brugts’ effort forced a mistake from goalkeeper Misa Rodriguez, who could only push the ball into her own net.
Real Madrid briefly gave themselves hope in the 30th minute. Linda Caicedo rounded Barcelona goalkeeper Cata Coll and calmly finished to reduce the deficit.
However, Barcelona responded almost immediately. Just two minutes later, Irene Paredes powered home a header from Claudia Pina’s corner to restore the visitors’ two-goal cushion.
Pajor And Putellas Lead Ruthless Barca Display
Barcelona tightened their grip after the break. Pajor grabbed her second goal of the night in the 57th minute with a first-time finish from Clara Serrajordi’s assist.
Then, just seven minutes later, Vicky Lopez got on the scoresheet herself, sliding in to make it 5-1 and leave Real Madrid with a mountain to climb.
Caicedo once again gave the hosts something to cheer about in the 66th minute. The Colombian winger struck a superb solo effort into the top corner for Real Madrid’s second goal of the night.
Still, Barcelona had the final word. In the 89th minute, Putellas converted from the penalty spot after Caroline Graham Hansen was brought down inside the area.
Barca Eye Another European Semi-Final
The return leg will take place at the Spotify Camp Nou on Thursday, April 2, with Barcelona now in a commanding position to reach the semi-finals for the eighth straight season.
If they complete the job, they will face either Manchester United or Bayern Munich in the last four.
Barcelona continue to show their dominance both in Europe and at home. They have already won the Women’s Champions League three times, in 2021, 2023 and 2024, and they are also closing in on a seventh straight Spanish league title.
The Catalan side currently sit 10 points clear of Real Madrid in the league and have won 22 of their 23 matches this season, scoring 103 goals and conceding only six.
Before the European return leg, both sides will meet again in the league on Sunday in Madrid.
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