FC Barcelona Dominates Real Madrid in Historic Women’s Match

VALDEBEBAS, Spain — FC Barcelona delivered a stunning performance on March 7, 2025, beating Real Madrid 5-0 in a Women’s Clásico that left Madrid supporters in disbelief and frustration. The match marked the seventeenth consecutive defeat for Real Madrid against their archrivals since the team was rebranded from CD Tacon to Real Madrid Femenino.

Despite coming into the game with confidence, Real Madrid, under the direction of coach Alberto Toril, faced another crushing defeat which reignited discussions about the team’s ability to compete at the highest level. Toril commented after the match, “We were quite similar in play and even had more shots than them, but the result is what matters.”

The stark statistics reveal a worrying trend for Real Madrid Femenino: in their last three matches against Barcelona this season, they conceded a staggering 14 goals without scoring a single one. President Florentino Pérez‘s reluctance to establish a women’s football section stemmed from the fear of competing with Barcelona, which professionalized its women’s football team in 2015. Real Madrid’s women’s team was formed five years later in 2020.

Concerns about the team’s competitive edge have been echoed by the club’s management, including General Director José Ángel Sánchez, who previously expressed skepticism about the venture’s financial viability. Current numbers indicate a significant gap in performance and recognition, as Pérez faces increasing pressure from fans and critics alike regarding the state of women’s football at Madrid.

The historical context suggests a longstanding struggle for the Real Madrid women’s team. Their first match against Barcelona ended in a humiliating 9-1 loss, which prompted institutional outrage. It also highlighted the significant gap in investment and development between the two clubs. Since then, Pérez has attended only one of the 17 Clásicos, fueling speculation about his commitment to the women’s game.

Meanwhile, Barcelona’s Graham Hansen emerged as a star on the field, known for her skillful play and strategic insights. Hansen, who previously faced opposition within her early career regarding gender biases in sports, has now become a key figure in the Barcelona squad, revealing in interviews her inspirations and dedication to the sport.

Financially, the Real Madrid women’s team is reportedly approaching parity with their basketball counterparts, with marketing earnings set to surpass previous records. The club announced that for the 2024/25 season, they have already earned €5.174 million during just the first six months, indicating a rapid growth trajectory.

The effects of these competitive losses and financial developments are becoming increasingly significant as the club navigates its branding and relevance in women’s sports. With the next match against Barcelona looming, the pressure on Real Madrid Femenino to improve is mounting, and fans are demanding results.