The Clásico is blaugrana once again. The Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys played host to the first clash of the season between Barça Women and Real Madrid with the blaugranes putting four past their big rivals to take a 4-0 victory which also included a penalty save from Cata Coll. Ewa Pajor scored twice with late goals from Sydeny and Aitaba sealing a win which increases the lead for Pere Romeu's team at the top of the Liga F table. 

Frenetic start 

Barça could have been ahead as early as the 1st minute of the game when Alexia Putellas struck the post after a cross from Ona Batlle. A declaration of intentions from the blaugranes. However, shortly after, Real Madrid had the ball in the back of the net when Weir turned the ball past Cata Coll only for the goal to be chalked off due to offside. 

Then it was the visitors turn to strike the woodwork when the impressive Linda Caicedo create a chance for team mate Feller who struck her shot against the post. The action packed opening minutes then saw Pajor find the net only for the referee to dampen Barça's celebrations with another offside decision. 

Return of Ewa Pajor 

Polish striker Ewa Pajor marked her return to the starting XI after injury with a goal on 15 minutes to open the scoring. Clàudia Pina, who caused problems all game for Real Madrid, beat the defender to then put in a low cross that was turned home by the Barça striker. This time, the flag stayed down. 

Caroline Graham Hansen provided the second for Pajor and for Barça. On the half hour mark the Norwegian skipped away from defender Yasmin and here cross-shot was deflected into the path of the Polish striker who made no mistake. 

Pajor could have had a deserved hat-trick before the break but Real Madrid keeper Masi pulled off a good save to leave her side trailing just 2-0 at half time. 

Calmer second half 

Understandably, the frenetic pace died down a little in the second half. Nevertheless, there were chances with Graham Hansen going close to making it 3-0 with a lob just over the crossbar. Real Madrid tried to threaten on the counter and the visitors had the ball in the net again only for the offside to go up once more. 

On the hour mark Aitana Bonmatí came on after an hour to bolster the midfield- Barça lost Brugts to injury as coach Pere Romeu looked to his subs' bench to maintain control in the Estadi Olímpic. 

Penalty save 

With quarter of an hour remaining, Real Madrid were thrown a lifeline when Athenea went down the box and the referee pointed to the spot after a long delay for a VAR review. Weir stepped up to take the penalty and Cata Coll pulled off a great save going low down to her left to preserve Barça's 2-0 lead. 

Happy ending 

With Real Madrid pushing forward desperately, Barça stole the ball midfield and Sydney finished subtly to beat Misa in goal and make it 3-0 in injury time in the second half. Still in time added on, Barça completed a 4-0 win with Aitana turning home Mapi's cross to send the fans wild in Montjuïc and extend their lead over Real Madrid to seven points at the top of the Liga F table. 

MATCH STATS

Barça, 4 

Reial Madrid, 0 

Barça: Cata Coll, Ona Batlle, Irene Paredes, Mapi León, Brugts (Cámara 72’), Ewa Pajor (Schertenleib 89’), Alexia Putellas, Aleixandri (Díaz 89’), Vicky López (Aitana 60’), Clàudia Pina (Kika Nazarteth 72’), Graham Hansen 

Real Madrid: Misa Rodríguez, Eva Navarro, Lakrar, Méndez, Yasmin (Sheila García 55’), Weir, Angeldahi (Dorado 63’), Däbritz, Feller (Athenea 55’), Keukelaar (Alba Redondo 55’), Caicedo (Comendador 70’) 

Goals: 1-0, Ewa Pajor (min 15); 2-0, Ewa Pajor (min 30); 3-0, Sydney (min 91’); 4-0 (min 93’) 

 

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