MADRID (AP) – Barcelona advanced toward a potential eighth consecutive semifinal in the Women’s Champions League following a commanding 6-2 victory over rival Real Madrid in the first leg of the quarterfinals on Wednesday.
Ewa Pajor netted two goals, while Esmee Brugts, Irene Paredes, Vicky López, and Alexia Putellas contributed one goal each, bringing Barcelona closer to securing a place in the semifinals.
Madrid’s Response
Real Madrid’s Linda Caicedo managed to score a goal in each half, but the team will require a significant comeback in the second leg at Barcelona to reach its first semifinal in the competition.
Barcelona’s Record
Barcelona, a three-time champion, has reached the final for five consecutive seasons. The team lost to Arsenal in last year’s final, while Arsenal recently triumphed over Chelsea with a score of 3-1 in their quarterfinal first leg.
Other Quarterfinal Matches
In a separate quarterfinal matchup on Tuesday, Wolfsburg took a 1-0 lead against Lyon, a record eight-time champion, in a clash between two of the tournament’s most celebrated teams.
Later on Wednesday, Manchester United is set to make its debut in the quarterfinals against Bayern Munich. This marks United’s first European appearance since a defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the qualifying round of the 2023-24 season.
Bayern Munich rebounded from a significant 7-1 loss to Barcelona earlier in the league phase to secure a spot in the quarterfinals for the eighth time in ten seasons.
Barcelona’s Dominance
Barcelona finished the league phase unbeaten, scoring 20 goals while conceding only three. Madrid, participating in its second consecutive quarterfinal, was eliminated by Arsenal in last year’s quarterfinals and ended the league phase in seventh place.