As the highly anticipated Liga F showdown approaches, Atlético de Madrid gears up to take on league leaders FC Barcelona in what many call the "Original Clásico" of Spanish women's football. With both teams sitting at the top of the standings, fans are in for a thrilling contest this Saturday at Centro Deportivo de Alcalá de Henares. Atlético star Marta Cardona sat down with DAZN to discuss her journey back from injury, her take on Barcelona, and Atlético’s ambitions this season.
Embracing Atlético de Madrid vs FC Barcelona as just another game
Having already experienced numerous clashes against Barcelona, Cardona reflects on how her perspective on these high-stakes encounters has evolved.
“At the beginning, you get more nervous,” she shared. “You see Barça as a big team, a giant and one of the best in Europe, but after so many games against them, I experience it as a regular match. Every game is important. This one against Barça has the same points as any other, so I live it as one more.”
Despite the hype surrounding Atlético's rivalry with Barcelona, Cardona remains focused on approaching it as "just like the others," though she acknowledges the external buzz this fixture always brings.
Back from injury and ready to compete
Cardona's return to the pitch following a minor injury comes at a pivotal moment in Atlético’s season. Her comeback has been a steady, determined process, something she views with positivity and patience.
"Honestly, it was a small injury, nothing major," Cardona noted. "It wasn’t an ACL, thankfully. I recovered in five to six weeks and feel very good. I’m getting back into rhythm with the team and gaining confidence every day.”
With previous experience dealing with injuries, Cardona approached this recovery with calmness, focusing on daily "micro goals" and avoiding the pressure of fixed timelines. Her priority now is simply to enjoy being back on the field and supporting her team as they battle for Liga F dominance.
Facing Barcelona’s tactical prowess
On the tactical challenges that come with playing against a team like FC Barcelona, Cardona was candid about the obstacles.
“We have to be honest; they’re a very difficult opponent. They play exceptionally well, especially offensively, where they occupy spaces with precision. We need to be particularly careful with their wingers, especially Caroline Graham Hansen, who’s incredibly skilled.”
Atlético’s game plan, she explains, involves tightly covering the wings and working in close coordination defensively. Their training sessions have focused on these strategies, and Cardona is confident they’re ready for the challenge.
“We are all aware of what we want to do, of the ideas our coach has given us. We’ve reflected it in our training, so we’re excited and confident going into this match.”
Season goals: UWCL qualification and the Liga F title
Beyond the Barcelona matchup, Cardona emphasized Atlético’s long-term goals for the season: securing a top-three finish to guarantee UEFA Women’s Champions League (UWCL) qualification and, ideally, fighting for the Liga F title.
“This is Atlético de Madrid,” she declared with pride. “We know the crest we wear. Atlético has a legacy of titles, and we need to work towards securing our place in the UWCL, and then fighting for Liga F.”
Cardona stresses the importance of consistency and not relying solely on marquee wins. Reflecting on their recent draw against Espanyol, she notes that every game, regardless of the opponent, is crucial in the pursuit of Liga F’s top spots.
“It doesn’t help if we win against Barça but drop points elsewhere. Each weekend, we set new objectives. It might sound repetitive, but that’s our reality. We have three competitions: Liga F, Copa de la Reina, and the Supercopa, and we want to give our best version in each one.”
Watch Atlético de Madrid vs FC Barcelona live for free on DAZN this Saturday, November 9, at 18:30 CET. Don’t miss out on this electrifying face-off in Spanish women’s football.