Barcelona rout Real Madrid
Barcelona thrashed Real Madrid 6-2 in the first leg of the UEFA Women’s Champions League quarterfinals — a four-goal cushion that pundits called “historic.” Patri Guijarro and Ewa Pajor were among the standout contributors in a game that leaves Barcelona firmly in control before the return leg. (espn.com) (newsday.com)
Esmee Brugts opened and later contributed to the visitors’ attacking moves, with Brugts’ looping header hitting the inside of the post before it crossed the line in the 13th minute. (uefa.com) Irene Paredes restored the visitors’ cushion with a header from a Clàudia Pina corner in the 32nd minute, and Vicky López converted a Caroline Graham Hansen cross shortly after the hour mark. (uefa.com) Alexia Putellas earned and converted a late penalty to finish the scoring for the visitors and was later named Vodafone Player of the Match. (uefa.com) Real Madrid’s Linda Caicedo struck twice for the hosts, including a second-half top‑corner finish that briefly offered a comeback spark. (espn.com) The fixture took place at Estadio Alfredo Di Stéfano, with an official attendance reported at 4,203. (uefa.com) Barcelona’s progression in the tie leaves them closer to reaching a record‑extending eighth consecutive UEFA Women’s Champions League semifinal. (espn.com) The return leg is scheduled at Spotify Camp Nou on Thursday, April 2, 2026, and the winner of the tie would face the victor of the Manchester United vs Bayern Munich quarter‑final in the semi‑final bracket. (espn.com)
