Defeating Barcelona Women´s for the First Time
Barcelona 1 – Real Madrid 3
Goals by Alba Redondo and two from Caroline Weir in a historic match—Real Madrid Women has finally defeated Barça! Congratulations!! Hala Madrid!
A great day for the players and for Alberto Toril, who have endured years of suffering against Barcelona, always losing, often in humiliating fashion, even under pressure from their own fans—myself included—who questioned the purpose of this section if it couldn’t compete. But today, they have earned their rightful place within the club.
Great photo of the players celebrating the historical win in the locker room:
Hailstorm in Barcelona
In fact, the match was even tougher than it seemed, as Real Madrid rested several key players due to their Champions League matches against Arsenal. Winning was already difficult, and this made it even more so.
Moreover, the Liga F was at stake. Barcelona was 7 points ahead, and a victory would have extended their lead to 10, effectively securing the league title. But with this win, Real Madrid closes the gap to 4 points, keeping the race alive. Though considering how rarely Barcelona loses, it’s unlikely they will drop more points, but you never know—at least Madrid has done its part.
Key Goal Before Halftime
Just before the break, in a tightly contested match that was 0-0, with Barcelona dominating possession but both teams creating chances, Real Madrid struck first. A fantastic cross from Møller found Alba Redondo, who headed it in to make it 0-1.
A psychological blow that gave Real Madrid a huge confidence boost.
But Barcelona Is Really Good
In the second half, Madrid held strong, but Barcelona is simply an elite team. They have players like Alexia Putellas and Aitana Bonmatí, who together hold four Ballon d’Or trophies, alongside other top-level stars. Naturally, they created a lot of danger.
Eventually, Graham equalized with a header, leaving goalkeeper Misa helpless. At that point, doubts crept in, and Barcelona pushed forward relentlessly. Fortunately, luck was on Madrid’s side (which, let’s be honest, you need to beat Barcelona), as the referee disallowed a goal for offside—a decision that was actually incorrect.
Barcelona was furious about it, and then, out of nowhere, a brutal hailstorm hit Montjuïc. And just like in the Arsenal match, Real Madrid thrives in bad weather. Along with smart substitutions by Toril—bringing on Caroline Weir and Caicedo—this gave Madrid the extra boost they needed, and it showed immediately.
That’s when it happened—Caroline Weir scored in the 87th minute after a brilliant play by Caicedo, a duo that is becoming the hottest partnership in the team. The 1-2 scoreline sparked huge excitement, but there were still 10 minutes to endure.
The hail intensified, Barcelona threatened with set pieces and corners, but in the final minute, Real Madrid sealed the deal with another goal from Caroline Weir, sending Toril into a frenzy.
Un triunfo histórico para el @realmadridfem ⚪
— DAZN Fútbol (@DAZNFutbol) March 23, 2025
El segundo gol de @itscarolineweir para ganar al Barça después de 18 derrotas 💥#LigaFenDAZN ⚽ pic.twitter.com/j934ryw7XR
Toril Earns Massive Credit
I’m especially happy for Alberto Toril, who has been unfairly criticized, particularly in women’s football, where male coaches face even harsher treatment. In previous losses, most of the blame always fell on him—just look at social media after those defeats, where the majority were calling for his dismissal.
But after this historic week—beating Arsenal in the Champions League and now finally defeating Barcelona (in their stadium, with many key absences, and in a crucial title race match)—Toril has emerged stronger than ever.
And it’s not just Toril, but the entire Real Madrid women’s division, which is gradually gaining more and more support from Madrid fans. Today will undoubtedly be a turning point.
- Overcoming the fear of Barcelona
- Turning this rivalry into one of the biggest in women’s football—El Clásico dominates men’s football and basketball viewership, and now, in women’s football, it will likely become just as legendary.
- Gaining more backing from the club—Florentino Pérez has never attended a women’s match, nor have they played at the Bernabéu. But change is coming, and as Florentino himself said, nothing is given; it must be earned—and today, they have earned a huge step forward.
Video with the highlights of the game
Reactions
Alba Redondo: “Even with the 1-1 I have a feeling that we will score another one”.
🎙️ @AFerrer_10 🎙️ pic.twitter.com/OQUYDzAAiw
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadridfem) March 23, 2025
Alberto Toril: “I am so happy for the players and the club, is a very important win, the players deserve this historical week, they worked so hard. We are Real Madrid, we can beat anyone”.
🎤 Alberto Toril 🎤 pic.twitter.com/LKWJhbUPkg
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadridfem) March 23, 2025
Athenea del Castillo: Message to all the fans, “We are so happy about the winning, and thank you all for your support. Hala Madrid!”
🫶🤳 ¡@Atheeneeaa_10 tiene un mensaje para vosotros, Madridistas! pic.twitter.com/MvO5vWuIUC
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadridfem) March 23, 2025