-myKhel Team

Barcelona took a huge step towards the Women’s Champions League semi-finals after beating Real Madrid 6-2 in a lively Clasico quarter-final first leg, with Ewa Pajor scoring twice and Linda Caicedo replying with a brace for the hosts.

The visitors controlled long spells and punished Real Madrid’s defensive lapses, meaning Madrid must overturn a four-goal deficit in the second leg. Barcelona also extended their dominant Clasico record, adding another high-scoring away win to a one-sided series.

Historical numbers underline the scale of Barcelona’s superiority in this rivalry. Barcelona have now won 22 of 23 meetings against Real Madrid across all competitions, losing just once, and the latest victory continues a run of nine straight away Clasico wins with a combined score of 36-4.

Clinical finishing separated the sides. Barcelona scored six times from seven shots on target and exceeded their 3.28 expected goals by a clear margin. Real Madrid created far fewer high-quality openings, posting 0.88 expected goals in a game where Barcelona punished almost every error.

Ewa Pajor was central to that ruthless edge. Pajor generated 1.67 expected goals alone, almost double Real Madrid’s team total, constantly attacking space between the centre-backs and finishing calmly, underlining why Barcelona relied on direct passes into the penalty area.

The scoring started early. After six minutes, Alexia Putellas drove a low cross into the box and Pajor slid in to finish from close range. Barcelona soon struck again when Esmee Brugts met Vicky Lopez’s delivery, and Misa inadvertently helped the looping header over the line.

Barcelona Real Madrid Women’s Champions League Clasico match flow

Real Madrid briefly responded on 30 minutes. Linda Caicedo ran onto Athenea del Castillo’s precise through ball, rounded Cata Coll and rolled the ball into an empty net. However, Irene Paredes restored the two-goal cushion almost immediately, powering in Claudia Pina’s corner.

After half-time, Barcelona increased the damage. Pajor added a second goal in the 57th minute, darting between Real Madrid’s central defenders to meet Clara Serrajordi’s pass in behind before finishing one-on-one, then Vicky Lopez guided in a first-time effort as the defence opened again.

Real Madrid still found moments of quality. Caicedo cut inside and curled a fine strike into the top-left corner soon after Lopez scored, but Barcelona responded once more when Caroline Graham Hansen was fouled in the area and Putellas converted the resulting penalty with confidence.

The numbers from this Women’s Champions League Clasico highlight the gap before the second leg, where Real Madrid need a major response. Barcelona carry a four-goal advantage, hold near-total control in the rivalry, and arrive with confidence built on efficiency in front of goal.

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