Real Madrid made history on March 23, 2025, by defeating FC Barcelona 3-1 in a Liga F match, marking their first-ever victory in the fierce rivalry, commonly referred to as El Clásico. The match took place at the Estadi Lluís Companys in Barcelona, and the atmosphere was electric as fans packed the stadium with 35,812 spectators eager to witness this momentous occasion.
The match started with Real Madrid taking an early lead, as Alba Redondo scored the first goal of the match with an impressive header in the first half. “For us, it’s very special,” Redondo remarked post-match. “It has been too harsh, 18 consecutive losses. We have made history so that this win will not be forgotten.” Her sentiments highlighted the significance of the victory for her team after suffering a long series of defeats against their rivals.
Real Madrid's coach Alberto Toril expressed his feelings about the win, stating, “We broke a bit of a psychological barrier that had been lingering from long-standing results. Today we are just winners.” He added that his squad is still growing and developing, which is vital in the competitive landscape of women’s football, especially against a formidable opponent like Barcelona.
Barcelona's coach, Pere Romeu, faced the press after the loss and acknowledged their performance was subpar, saying, “It hasn’t been our best game. We need to take control of possession against such significant rivals.” He emphasized the missed opportunities and the need to regroup to focus on their upcoming Champions League match against Chelsea on March 27, 2025.
In a moment that shifted the dynamics of the match, Barcelona had a goal by Jana Fernández controversially disallowed for offside in the 80th minute. Romeu remarked, “The images speak for themselves. It’s not offside. That changed the flow of the final minutes of the game.” This disallowed goal came at a critical time as Barcelona was looking to equalize just one goal down.
Despite the disappointment, Aitana Bonmatí and Alexia Putellas took to social media to express their feelings after the match. Bonmatí posted, “We didn’t rise to the occasion,” while Putellas confessed, “This isn’t unexpected; defeat stings as it always does in sports.”
Real Madrid extended their lead late in the match, with Caroline Weir scoring twice, including the decisive goal that solidified their victory. Toril praised his players for managing the game effectively, saying, “We handled our moments well and finished with the potential to score more. I’m happy about that.”
The rivalry has often seen Barcelona dominate, with Real Madrid previously suffering 18 losses across 19 matches before this historic victory. This win not only serves as a morale booster for the club but also showcases the evolving landscape of women’s football, where competitive parity is increasingly visible.
In the aftermath, Romeu made it clear that he expects his team to regroup quickly, “We have no time for laments. Tomorrow’s training awaits, and the focus is on the Champions League ahead.” He also emphasized the team’s leadership in the league despite the setback against their eternal rivals.
This encounter might remain a turning point for Real Madrid as they aim to close the gap in upcoming tournaments. “We are inching closer,” Toril mentioned optimistically, seeing hope in the growing competitiveness between the teams.
The match's outcome is significant not just for the teams but for the broader narrative of women’s football, requiring reflection on tactics, training, and mental resilience moving forward. As Bonmatí summed up nicely, “We need to learn from this match to improve our game further.”
With their sights on future matches, both teams will look to adapt and evolve, driven by the ever-increasing competitiveness of women’s football. The thrilling nature of this match will certainly be remembered and studied closely as players and coaches alike analyze the trajectory of embodying greatness in such a vibrant sport.
