In a historic moment for Real Madrid Femenino, the team triumphed over their archrivals FC Barcelona with a decisive 3-1 victory on March 23, 2025. This victory marked Real Madrid's first win against Barcelona in 19 attempts, breaking a long-standing psychological barrier and igniting hopes for their future in Liga F.
The match, held at the iconic Montjuic Stadium in Barcelona, saw Real Madrid take control in the first half. Alba Redondo opened the scoring just before halftime with a powerful header, giving Madrid an early advantage. As the game unfolded, Barcelona retaliated with determination, drawing level thanks to Caroline Graham Hansen's goal in the 67th minute. However, Real Madrid sealed the game with a stellar performance by Caroline Weir, who scored twice in the final moments, further embedding her name in the club's lore.
“We have suffered in silence. Today is a big day for Real Madrid fans,” said coach Alberto Toril following the match, exuding pride in his team's achievement. His comments resonated with the fans who have endured a challenging history against Barcelona, characterized by heavy defeats and missed opportunities.
The significance of this win cannot be understated. The victory is a turning point that shows Real Madrid's growth as a serious competitor in women's football. Before this match, they had not won a single Clasico since March 2022, and the fans were weary from a streak of losses, including painful 5-0 defeats. But this performance, marked by resilience and skill, has provided a glimmer of hope for Real Madrid supporters.
Leading up to the match, Barcelona's Aitana Bonmati expressed confidence in her team's dominance, stating, “I think Real Madrid still has a long way to go before they can beat us. I hope I'm not wrong, but I trust in this team.” However, the sentiments in the aftermath of the match could not have been more different. The result has now put Real Madrid just four points behind their bitter rivals in the Liga F standings, with seven match days remaining in the season.
Alberto Toril emphasized the journey of his team stating, “No es fácil. Al final, se nos compara con el Barça, pero hay mucho tiempo de diferencia.” This reflects the ongoing transformation and growth of the Madrid side as they seek to close the gap with Barcelona, a team that has dominated women's football in Spain for seasons. Barcelona has won the last five editions of Liga F and two consecutive UEFA Women's Champions League titles, making their sustained success even more daunting for challengers.
The match was also fraught with intensity, as a disallowed goal from Barcelona’s Jana Fernández in the 82nd minute could have altered the game's outcome. Alexia Putellas, the captain of Barcelona, voiced her frustration post-match, noting the unfair nature of that call. “Cada vez el nivel entre Barcelona y Madrid es más igualado, sin importar los resultados anteriores,” she commented, indicating that the competitive balance is finally shifting.
The return of Caroline Weir to the pitch proved pivotal. After joining the game as a substitute, her contributions resulted in two goals, showcasing her importance in high-stakes matches. Her performance reaffirms what many had predicted: Weir would write her name into Real Madrid's history. As the rain poured down and conditions fluctuated, Weir’s magic on the field reflected the spirit and determination of the team.
This match not only solidifies the notion that Real Madrid is no longer an underdog in the Barcelona rivalry but also shapes the future of Liga F. With the league title still within reach, the team aims to build on this momentum, preparing for a Champions League showdown against Arsenal after beating them 2-0 in their previous encounter.
Amidst the jubilant celebrations, the triumph at Montjuic has rejuvenated the squad and its supporters alike. The belief in their potential is palpable, and Les Blancas have shown that impossible feats are achievable with hard work and dedication. The players have instilled a sense of hope that previous generations of fans yearned for. In all, Real Madrid has turned a significant page in their rivalry with Barcelona, signaling a shift in the landscape of women's football in Spain.
