Barcelona thrash Real Madrid in the first 'Women's Clásico'

There was little party atmosphere in Valdebebas for the first ever Women's Clásico between Real Madrid and Barcelona. With temperatures dropping and restriction of movement in the capital under the new Covid-19 measures, it wasn't the kind of stage you would expect for an historic first meeting between the clubs with the biggest rivalry in Spanish football. There was no public in the stands on Pitch 11 at Real Madrid's training complex and the hosts took to the pitch looking slightly nervous while knowing that the whole country would be tuning in to watch the game (it was the only women's game to be televised on Sunday, broadcast live on state TV).

Visitors Barça were under much less pressure, and it showed when Jenni Hermoso, madrileña born and bred, dinked a through-ball for Patri Guijarro to make history by becoming the first player to score in this fixture. Her strike, a fierce, low effort which entered inside the post on 18 minutes kickstarted a period of complete domination by the guests who looked unstoppable against a Madrid side who struggled to string several passes together.

Barca's fluid passing game contrasted with that of their hosts who found themselves further behind at the start of the second half. In an unfortunate mix-up between Babbet and Misa, the keeper inadvertently sent Caroline Graham Hansen's cut-back over the line to make it 0-2. The Norwegian was involved in the third goal on 65 minutes - laying the ball off for Jenni to whip over a cross that was superbly tucked in on the half volley by Lieke Martens at the back post.

Alexia puts the seal on historic win

Barcelona's third goal also started from a move down the right - Alexia Putellas pounced on a squared pass on the edge of the box and her first-time strike bounced in off the post. It was a body blow for Madrid but to their credit, no one looks capable of stopping this all-powerful Barça side. Lluís Cortés' team continue to make history - adding to their successes this victory in the first ever Real Madrid-Barça. For Madrid, it looks like success will take time but they will have time to do that after this first baptism of fire in the Liga Iberdrola.