Real Madrid 6-2, Barcelona advances to Champions League semifinals

Barcelona established a substantial lead by defeating rival Real Madrid 6-2 in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals.

Real Madrid hosted Barcelona at home in the first leg of the quarter-finals Champions League women's season 2025/26.

Despite having the home advantage, the visiting team started strongly by breaking the deadlock early in the 6th minute. Patri Guijarro delivered a precise lofted pass to Alexia Putellas break through the offside trap, before calmly assisting Ewa Pajor to easily score the opening goal. Just minutes later, before the home team could stabilize, the Catalan side doubled their lead in the 13th minute. From Vicky Lopez's cross, goalkeeper Misa mishandled it, allowing Esmee Brugts to score.

In the following minutes, Barcelona completely dominated the game, but a brilliant individual moment from Linda Caicedo gave Real Madrid hope. The 2005-born forward broke through the defense, bypassed goalkeeper Cata Coll, and scored, reducing the deficit to 1-2 in the 30th minute.

However, the home team's joy did not last long. Just two minutes later, from Claudia Pina's corner kick, Irene Paredes leaped high for a powerful header, restoring Barcelona's two-goal lead. The first half ended with a clear advantage for the visitors in both gameplay and score.

Entering the second half, Real Madrid pushed forward seeking a comeback goal, but Barcelona maintained solid and effective play. In the 57th minute, Serrajordi delivered a clever through ball for Pajor to calmly finish, equaling Alexia Putellas's record of 13 goals in El Clasico matches.

Not stopping there, in the 64th minute, Caroline Graham Hansen's impressive play created an opportunity for Vicky Lopez to increase the score to 5-1. However, Caicedo continued to be a rare standout for the Royal team by scoring another beautiful goal in the 66th minute, giving the home team a fragile hope.

Blaugrana then received good news as Mapi Leon returned to the field in the 74th minute after a long absence due to injury. And in the 89th minute, Alexia Putellas sealed the 6-2 victory with a penalty kick, after Graham Hansen was fouled, concluding a dominant and convincing performance by the Catalan team.

On March 30 (Vietnam time), the two teams will meet again at Alfredo Di Stefano Stadium in the 24th round of the Spanish Women's League. Three days later, the Champions League quarter-final return leg will take place at Camp Nou.