Barcelona Femení dismantle Real Madrid Femenino 5-0 in Copa de la Reina semi-final first leg | OneFootball

Another commanding performance from FC Barcelona Femení saw them cruise past Real Madrid Femenino at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stéfano, securing a decisive 5-0 victory in the first leg of their Copa de la Reina semi-final.

From the very first whistle, Barça’s high pressing and relentless attacking movement proved too much for their rivals, dictating the tempo of an intense encounter.

The game got off to a blistering start, with Salma Paralluelo finding the net in just the 2nd minute. A precise ball from one side of the pitch to the other allowed Paralluelo to move in at the back post and slot home with composure. The early goal set the tone for Barcelona, who continued to pin Madrid back with their aggressive pressing.

It wasn’t long before Ewa Pajor doubled the lead in the 13th minute. After an initial shot from Paralluelo was parried, Pajor reacted instinctively in the box, following up to tuck away the rebound. The Polish striker’s poacher’s instinct was on full display, punishing Madrid’s defense.

Madrid did manage to create some attacking moments, but Barcelona’s high defensive line repeatedly caught them offside. The most notable moment came in the 22nd minute, when Caroline Weir thought she had pulled one back, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside as she ran in behind and calmly slotted past the keeper.

Barça, however, showed no signs of slowing down. In the 29th minute, Pajor struck again. A determined run from Caroline Graham Hansen saw her attempt to cut inside and shoot, only for the ball to deflect perfectly into Pajor’s path. Madrid goalkeeper Misa Rodríguez got a hand to it but couldn’t prevent it from slipping over the line, making it 3-0 to Barcelona.

Before halftime, Paralluelo completed her brace in the 42nd minute, once again making a run to the back post and finishing off a well-placed assist from Graham Hansen. Madrid had no answer for Barcelona’s fluid attacking play, and by the break, the visitors were in complete control.

The second half saw some adjustments, with Ingrid Engen replacing Paralluelo and Fridolina Rolfö coming on for Esmee Brugts in the 58th minute. Madrid attempted to gain some ground, but the wet pitch conditions—which worsened towards the end—made it difficult to build any rhythm against Barcelona’s structured defense.

The final blow came in the 78th minute, when Pajor sealed her hat-trick. Rolfö, fresh off the bench, broke in behind the Madrid backline before delivering a pinpoint cross into the box. Pajor was in the right place at the right time, tapping home to complete her sensational performance.

With the game effectively won, Hansen made way for Marta in the 84th minute, allowing Barcelona to see out the match with fresh legs.

By full-time, Barcelona had completely outclassed their opponents, asserting their dominance yet again. Their high press, clinical finishing, and ability to exploit Madrid’s defensive frailties ensured a comprehensive first-leg victory.

With such a commanding lead, Barcelona have one foot in the final already. A Madrid comeback appears all but impossible, with Barcelona’s commanding goal advantage leaving little room for doubt.

The second leg will take place at the Estadi Johan Cruyff on Wednesday, March 12th, where Barcelona will look to finish the job and book their place in yet another final.