A Classic Showdown to Seal the League
The word ‘classic’ has up to ten meanings. A classic can be defined as such because it belongs to an artistic period bearing the same name, to a historical era, to ancient Greece or Rome, because it does not deviate from tradition or established rules, or because it is typical or characteristic. “Singing in the Rain” is a classic, just like “Hamlet” or Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody.”
In women’s football, a match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid does not fulfill any of these definitions, as they have only faced each other thirteen times so far. However, it is increasingly becoming a classic and is perceived as such due to the rivalry between clubs, the sense of belonging of their supporters, the media coverage, and the impact it has on the course of the competition. It is already the biggest match of the year. Whether at the Johan Cruyff Stadium, Camp Nou, Montjuïc, or the Alfredo di Stéfano Stadium.
The Blaugrana visit Valdebebas for the last classic of the season. The last one for Jonatan Giráldez and also for Sandra Paños. A classic worth more than three points because, if they win, Barcelona can go twelve points ahead of Toriil’s team and practically seal the league.
BEFORE THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
Real Madrid comes into the clash in great form, with almost the entire squad available – Weir is still in recovery – and with a good run of results, with four wins and one draw in the last five matches. Although the last three victories were by the minimum margin. Meanwhile, Barcelona is in the midst of the Champions League quarter-final tie against Brann, which wasn’t decided in the first leg in Norway (1-2 to the Blaugranas). The return leg is on Thursday at the Johan Cruyff Stadium.
MOTIVATED
The Barça dressing room, including the coaching staff, insists on taking it one game at a time. “It’s pointless to think about Brann now. This Classic is important enough and has enough motivation to keep me from thinking about next Thursday,” says Aitana. She also admits that she would like the league to be “more competitive” and that the team is “in a great moment. I think we’re doing things well.”
Fridolina Rolfö is already “one of us,” according to Giráldez. The Swedish player says, “I haven’t played any classics this season, and I’m really looking forward to this match.”
THE YEAR OF THE YOUNGSTERS
Irene Paredes, one of the team’s five captains, has also regained her best form after a “tough start to the season, to be honest.” “I worked on it with myself and also needed external help,” she explains.
With Mapi León absent due to injury, her most common partner in the center of defense is Ingrid Engen. She says she “gets along very well with her” and that one of her best qualities is “bringing the ball out.”
She also plays with Martina, one of the four players from the reserve team involved with the first team. It is undoubtedly the season of the youngsters. “I see them the same way you do, what can I say about them… When they step onto the field, they excel. They have great potential. They are young and need that experience. There is plenty of talent, and playing is good for them. There is a lot of future in Barcelona.”
