Barcelona’s Alexia Putellas praises supporters during ‘enchanting’ evening at Camp Nou
Barcelona’s Alexia Putellas expressed her appreciation for the record fan turnout on a “magical” evening as the Spanish champions defeated Real Madrid 6-0 at Spotify Camp Nou, securing a spot in the UEFA Women’s Champions League semifinals against Bayern Munich.
The attendance of 60,067 marked the highest at Spotify Camp Nou for both the men’s and women’s teams since the stadium’s reopening last November following renovations.
This figure also represented the largest in the competition since Barça faced Chelsea in 2023 (72,262) and ranks as the fourth highest ever, with all top four attendance records held by the Catalans, including the record of 91,648 set against Wolfsburg in 2022.
Putellas, who scored the opening goal on her 500th appearance for Barça, was lifted by her teammates as fans chanted her name at the conclusion of the match.
“I am truly thankful, I feel incredibly loved,” Putellas shared with Disney+.
“The fans are the best, as I have always stated. The strongest aspect of this team is the bond with the supporters, as we consistently strive to represent the jersey to the best of our abilities. It’s emotional to witness that, at the end of the day, isn’t it?
“I lack the words to convey the feeling at this moment. It’s been magical. Approximately 20 years ago, I was sitting in the corner of the stadium with my family, and now I can say that I have played my 500th match for the club here.
“I am extremely grateful and I hope the fans view this as an opportunity for them, because I was once in their position. I am human, just like everyone here today, and one day I am sure they can achieve it.”
Thursday’s encounter between BarΓ§a and Madrid was the final match of three ClΓ‘sicos within a week. The series commenced with BarΓ§a winning 6-2 in the first leg last Wednesday, followed by a 3-0 victory in Liga F over the weekend, bringing them close to a seventh consecutive league title.
Wednesday’s 6-0 triumph — highlighted by Putellas’ goal, a brace from Caroline Graham Hansen, and goals from Irene Paredes, Ewa Pajor, and Esmee Brugts — concluded with an aggregate score of 12-2 in the Champions League matchup.
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Barcelona advances to the UEFA Women’s Champions League semifinals following a 12-2 aggregate victory over Real Madrid.
“Our goal was to approach the match as if the tie were level,” Putellas remarked regarding BarΓ§a’s aim to deliver an impressive performance despite entering the second leg with a significant advantage.
“That reflects this team’s DNA. We have mentioned it in interviews this week, but the key is to demonstrate it on the field. That is where we feel at ease.”
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German club Bayern, whom Barça defeated 7-1 earlier this season, now stands in the way of Putellas and her teammates as they aim for a sixth consecutive Champions League final.
“These are the most exciting months of the season,” Putellas added. “This is what we prepare for, to enjoy, and to respond on the pitch. I am thrilled to be back in the semifinals again and now facing Bayern.”
Meanwhile, Madrid will seek to regroup and prepare for the next season. After achieving their first victory over Barça last March and reaching the Champions League quarterfinals for the second consecutive year, they appeared to be making progress, but this past week has highlighted the distance they still need to cover.
“Credit to BarΓ§a, but we also need to reflect and be self-critical,” coach Pau Quesada stated in a news conference.
“Anything I say now may come off as an excuse. It could be a mental issue, but it’s not solely that. They possess another level in every aspect. They are the best. They have some of the top players in the world, and that is the gap we need to bridge.
“We are among the top eight in Europe, but that is insufficient when your opponent is so dominant. We have competed against everyone this season — Frankfurt, Roma, PSG, Wolfsburg, even away at Arsenal — except BarΓ§a. Of the best 20 players in the world, perhaps 10 are here. Therefore, if you want to recruit better players, it is quite challenging.”
