Barcelona 5-2 Real Madrid
by Asif Burhan
at Camp Nou

ON AN unforgettable evening at Camp Nou, women’s football took a seismic leap forward, as the biggest crowd to watch any football match this season saw a seven-goal thriller which should not be overlooked when all the records and statistics are digested over the years.

As the official attendance of 91,553 was announced towards the end of the game, a crescendo of noise rang around the famous old cauldron. It was a world record for a professional women’s football match which is unlikely to be surpassed any time soon. With the men’s team playing at home on the weekend of the women’s team’s semi-final first leg, it is unlikely they will be able to also stage that game at Camp Nou, the largest stadium in Europe. This summer, redevelopment work will commence on the stadium which will reduce its capacity until its completion in 2024.

A world record seemed improbable at the start of the game as the players lined up at a half-full stadium. However, as the teams traded goals and ticket holders continued to enter as they finished their working day, so the crowd swelled to the point where the 23-year-old world record of 90,185 set at the 1999 Women’s World Cup final seemed under threat.

Leading 3-1 from the first leg, Barcelona stormed into the game with wingers Caroline Graham Hansen and Fridolina Rolfo excelling on either flank. Mapi Leon gave them the lead with a fortuitous goal from a cross which sailed over the Real Madrid goalkeeper Misa.

Madrid fought back, Olga Carmona won a penalty from Irene Paredes, who clearly handled her shot. Despite the deafening shrill of the crowd’s whistles, Carmona calmly rolled home the spot-kick. The crowd was then momentarily stunned into silence after half-time when the away side took the lead through an outrageous 40-yard strike from Claudia Zornoza, a goal worthy of such a special occasion. 

Critically, the home side levelled within four minutes when Aitana Bonmati adroitly swept home an equaliser after bursting through from midfield. Within 10 minutes, the defending champions, who have won every game they have played this season, settled the tie with two more goals from Claudia Pina and Ballon D’Or winner Alexia Putellas. With 20 minutes remaining, Graham Hansen made it 5-2 on the night and 8-3 on aggregate when she poked home the goal her dazzling performance merited.

Catalan-born and bred midfielder Bonmati struggled to come to terms with everything that had occurred on a dizzying night for women’s football. “It’s inexplicable to score a goal in the stadium where I dreamed of playing since I was a child. We’ve recently been through some wonderful experiences, especially winning the Uefa Champions League, but maybe this was more special. A full Camp Nou and making history — immense.”

Barcelona coach Jonatan Giraldez added: “I told my players before the match that it simply wasn’t enough to qualify tonight. We had to put on a show for our fans — and we did.”