Alexia, Pajor, and Salma shine as the Blaugrana dominate in the capital
FC Barcelona’s women put on a show at the Alfredo Di Stéfano, leaving Real Madrid behind in a 4-0 quarter-final. The win books their place in the Copa de la Reina semifinals.
Alexia Putellas opened the scoring with a towering header from a Caroline Graham Hansen corner, Ewa Pajor scored a brace, and Salma Paralluelo added another goal, with Patri Guijarro pulling the strings in midfield.
The night started rough. Heavy rain, strong wind, and a boggy pitch made passing tricky, and Madrid came out with intensity, pressing high and trying to force errors. Early interventions from Irene Paredes and Vicky López kept Barcelona afloat, but the real drama came in the 15th minute. Laia Aleixandri collided with Feller and went down clutching her knee. She had to leave on a stretcher, visibly shaken. Aïcha Camara had to come on, but the team kept rolling.
The opener arrived in the 20th minute. Alexia rose unmarked and sent a header past Misa. She celebrated with her hand to her ear, and suddenly, the game became livelier.
Vicky López hit the post, Clàudia Pina’s shots were blocked, and for Madrid, an Athenea del Castillo goal was correctly ruled out for offside. By halftime, Barcelona led 1-0, in a calm but commanding fashion.
After the break, the Catalans shifted up a gear. Pajor struck a powerful shot to double the lead, then Salma finished off a perfect through ball from Patri to make it 3-0. Salma sprinted down the left and laid the ball off for Pajor, who controlled with her chest and slotted it coolly to score the fourth and final goal. By the final whistle, Barcelona had accomplished their mission and were onto the next round.
The other three teams left to compete for the cup are Atlético de Madrid, Tenerife, and Badalona Women.
Category: General Sports
