Barca beat Madrid in Women’s Champions League
ALEXIA Putellas’ second-half double sank Real Madrid on Tuesday as reigning champions Barcelona came from behind to win 3-1 in the first leg of the Women’s
Champions League quarter-finals.
Madrid took a surprise lead against their all-conquering rivals when Olga Carmona fired in early at the Alfredo di Stefano Stadium and the home side title earlier this month with six games had chances to extend their advantage, to spare, by thrashing Real Madrid 5-0. with Esther Gonzalez hitting the post. But Madrid were far from over-awed
Instead, Barca came storming back, this time, their performance offering aided by a soft penalty, which was hope they can continue to close the converted by Ballon d’Or winner gap next season, even if their chances Putellas, before Claudia Pina and of progress look remote. then Putellas’ second completed a Putellas missed an early chance at devastating turnaround. the back post and then it was the
“We knew it would be a difficult tie Spaniard who was at fault for the but we didn’t expect such high pressure opener, her sloppy pass allowing Real from Madrid,” said Barcelona Madrid to break. coach Jonatan Giraldez. Esther weaved through and as Barca’s
“We took time to react but in the second defence were drawn inside, she half we controlled the game better shifted the ball left for Olga, who and we were more clinical in attack.” guided a cool finish into the corner.
It will take a monumental effort Esther struck the post from a from Madrid to prevent the Catalans hooked effort towards goal and then reaching the semis, particularly as she went through again, this time the second leg will be played at Camp shooting straight at Sandra Panos. Nou, in front of what is set to be a But Barcelona improved in the second world-record crowd. half, rejuvenated by their equaliser
Real Madrid said they were unable in the 53rd minute. to use the Santiago Bernabeu for this Fridolina Rolfoe’s cross reached the first leg due to ongoing renovation back post and as the ball bounced, Olga work at the club’s main ground. arrived late, her knee making contact
Barcelona came into the women’s with Barca’s Caroline Graham Hansen, Clasico as hot favourites after winning who made the most of the fall. all five of their competitive meetings After consulting the replay, Finnish since Madrid officially launched referee Lina Lehtovaara gave the penalty. their women’s team in 2020. Misa confronted Putellas on the spot
They retained their Primera Division * but the attempted mind-games had no effect, Putellas finding the corner.
With the score level, Barcelona were suddenly sharper and more assertive and by the final 10 minutes a weary Madrid were hanging on.
Barca would not be denied as Hansen’s cut-back found Aitana Bonmati in the area and her shot fell kindly for Pina, who drove low and into the corner.
Madrid had lost the match and in injury-time they likely lost the tie, as Barcelona broke down the right and Putellas was left free. She scooped in a delightful finish to make it three.
Prolific striker Marie-Antoinette Katoto earlier scored twice as Paris Saint-Germain won 2-1 away to Bayern Munich.
Katoto, who is PSG’s all-time top scorer at the age of just 23, netted a 20th-minute opener and then headed home in the 71st minute for the French champions at the Allianz Arena.
However, German international Klara Buehl smashed in a late freekick to keep Bayern’s hopes alive going into the return.
PSG’s women are hoping to go all the way in Europe after ending Lyon’s run of 14 consecutive French titles last season.