El Clásico. Hardly to be considered a rivalry when your opponent has won 17/17 meetings. For Barcelona Femení, the win rate against Real Madrid is 100%.
4-0, 3-0, 4-0. Three different score lines, three different games; all within one year. Barcelona Femení absolutely sweep their hundred-year old rivals Real Madrid.
On a night where focus should have been on continuing league play and retaining domestic dominance in Liga F to then transitioning to European competition, Barcelona Femení took a short trip to Alfredo di Stéfano Stadium in Madrid, where the yellow, red and blue club would be considered more than unwelcome guests. Nothing new, except that on November 16th, a victory over Real Madrid Femenino would be just a bit sweeter. The reason why? El Clásico. Dating back to 1903, when FC Barcelona, founded in 1899 and Real Madrid, founded in 1902, established an official, ultra competitive and unique rivalry. Both Spanish giants are two of the most renowned clubs on a global scale, and securing a rivalry brings a sense of pride, bragging rights, and more importantly points on the table. Because both teams are in the same league, the odds of playing against one another in a calendar year are slim, ranging anywhere from one to three times per season. The men’s Clásico over the years is known to have involved players such as Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr, Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski, Pedri and Gavi. The women’s Clásico originated in 2019 due to the proper formation of Real Madrid Femenino only established recently. Despite lack of years with the women’s rivalry, this does not mean a Clásico is any less competitive. If anything, a Clásico is something to prove. With good reason, as fans from both sides feel just as passionate.
As women’s football progresses, today, up there with the men’s players, names such as Alexia Putellas, Aitana Bonmatí, Maria “Mapi” León, Patri Guijarro, Claudia Pina, Misa Rodriguez, Alba Redondo, Linda Caicedo, Olga Carmona, and Athenea del Castillo are knocking on household doors with notoriety. Most recently, Barcelona Femení defeated the Madridistas 3-0 back in March. Now in November, the challenge was to pounce over the old record and carve a new one. In the name of rivalry.
That aim is exactly what FCB Femení achieved. Off to the races with a splendid lineup, a corner kick saw Patri Guijarro pinpoint the ball into the net assisted by a deflection of magic within 4 minutes. This early lead was to be taken advantage of, as Patri utilised the momentum to score a second goal in the 22nd minute. It seemed as if Real Madrid started off on the wrong foot, and gaining back two goals would require a lot more effort and energy than assumed. Right before halftime, it seems as if both teams would have 15 minutes to regroup and refresh in the locker room to make any changes. Effectively ensuring utter embarrassment for the opponent, Barça’s Claudia Pina nailed the coffin with a beauty of a goal in the 39th minute, kissing the badge in celebration as a sign of loyalty and love for her club. By this point, Real Madrid would need to quickly pick up the pieces to at least make themselves appear redeemable. Nothing came to fruition for the all whites, as both sides made substitution changes, signaling Barcelona’s Kika Nazareth and Sydney Schertenleib’s inaugural Clásico. Keeper Cata Coll stood solid in goal, earning a well deserved clean sheet making sure Real Madrid stayed with a big fat 0 on the scoreboard. A personal milestone also came from lifelong Culer Alexia Putellas, adored capitana. Alexia secured the fourth goal towards the end the match in the 86th minute, walking away with her team to a victory once again over Real Madrid. This marks 17 wins in 17 ever Clásicos for the women’s side. Even better, Alexia has been around for all 17 games over the years, and her special goal signified 199 total over the course of her Barcelona career. Celebrating post game, Alexia was gifted with a commemorative jersey with the number 199 for 199 goals as a Culer. After the weekend excursion to Madrid, Barcelona Femení turn their focus to the UEFA Women’s Champions League. And for the rivalry? The victory rate is looking like 100%.
