There are matches in the world of sports that transcend the game, captivating audiences far beyond the confines of stadium walls. Events like the Super Bowl, Wimbledon, and the World Cup Final bring everything to a standstill. In football, one such event is El Clásico. It’s not just a game; it’s a celebration of rivalry, passion, and history. Today, El Clásico Femenino is writing its own chapter in this storied tradition, bringing the fire and intensity of its male counterpart to the women’s game.
For fans, it’s an unmissable event — a day when everything stops, bets are placed, jerseys are donned, and living rooms around the world become makeshift arenas. Will FC Barcelona continue its dominance, or will Real Madrid finally break the streak? The unpredictability, the stakes, and the passion make El Clásico Femenino an experience like no other.
The Genesis of a New Rivalry
While the men’s El Clásico is a century-old rivalry, the women’s version is relatively new, yet no less fierce. Real Madrid’s women’s team was born in 2020 when the club rebranded Club Deportivo Tacón into Las Blancas. Meanwhile, FC Barcelona, already an established powerhouse, had a treasure trove of titles: a Champions League trophy, multiple Liga F championships, and several Copa de la Reina triumphs. The stage was set for an epic showdown.
The first clash between the two sides took place on October 20, 2020, at Madrid’s Alfredo Di Stefano Stadium. It was more than just a match — it was history in the making. On the pitch, FC Barcelona made a statement, asserting their dominance with a commanding 4-0 victory.
Since that historic encounter, Barça has remained undefeated against their eternal rivals, racking up 14 consecutive wins. But Las Blancas have not gone quietly. In recent years, they have come tantalizingly close to victory, pushing Barcelona in Liga F matches and the UEFA Women’s Champions League.
Moments That Defined the Rivalry
The 2021/2022 UEFA Women’s Champions League quarterfinals marked a big moment in the rivalry. The first leg at the Alfredo Di Stefano Stadium ended with Barcelona holding the upper hand, but it was the return leg at Camp Nou that etched itself into footballing folklore.
A crowd of 91,533 fans — the second largest ever for a women’s football match — packed the stadium to witness history. Fans from all over the world tuned in or travelled to Barcelona to witness what was going to be a world-record attendance. The atmosphere was electric, the stakes monumental. Every chant, every pass, every shot reverberated across the stands. A breathtaking free-kick, a crest-kiss celebration, and the relentless energy of the fans elevated the match into something unforgettable.
“That night at Camp Nou was about more than football,” recalls Alexia Putellas, Barça’s talismanic captain. “It was about making history — not just for Barça or for Real Madrid, but for women’s football as a whole.”
Stars of El Clásico
Great rivalries are built on great players, and El Clásico Femenino is no exception. From Alexia Putellas and Aitana Bonmatí to Caroline Graham Hansen and María León, Barça boasts a roster of stars who have not only shone in El Clásico but have also redefined women’s football on the global stage. On the other side, Real Madrid’s squad, featuring names like Olga Carmona, Athenea del Castillo, and Caroline Weir, is a testament to their growing ambition.
New additions on both sides continue to add intrigue to the rivalry. Barça’s Kika Nazareth is set to make her Clásico debut and understands the magnitude of the moment. “This will be my first Clásico. I know what this game means—it’s more than just a match. It’s history,” she said during the club’s media day.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid’s acquisitions, including Caroline Weir and Melanie Leupolz, have elevated their squad to new heights. “These players bring quality and experience, and they’ve made Real Madrid a much tougher opponent,” said Barcelona head coach Pere Romeu.
A Closing Gap
Despite Barcelona’s flawless record in El Clásico Femenino, the gap between the two teams is shrinking. Real Madrid’s investments in the women’s game have begun to pay off, with their squad growing stronger each season. This year, they’ve started the league undefeated and appear more prepared than ever to challenge Barça’s dominance.
“It’s clear that Real Madrid has improved,” admitted Barça’s Claudia Pina. “Last year, they weren’t competing at this level. Now they’re scoring goals, defending better, and pushing us harder. It’s good for the league — it pushes everyone to raise their game.”
Barça captain Alexia Putellas remains cautious but confident. “You can’t take victories for granted,” she said. “Every game starts at zero. Madrid has strengthened, and they’ve had a great start to the season. But we focus on our game and work to stay ahead.”
Special Matches, Special Memories
For the players, certain Clásicos hold special significance. Alexia Putellas points to the 2021/2022 Champions League match at Camp Nou: “The crowd, the atmosphere, the stakes — it was unforgettable.”
Claudia Pina remembers her first match at Camp Nou: “Stepping onto that pitch for the first time, hearing the chants, feeling the energy — it’s something I’ll never forget.”
For Ingrid Engen, last year’s Montjuïc match holds a special place. “It was one of my first games as a centre-back, and we won 5-0. It was incredible.”
And for Kika Nazareth, the upcoming clash is an opportunity to write her own story. “This will be my first Clásico. It’s a dream come true to be part of a game like this.”
What’s at Stake
El Clásico Femenino is no longer just a rivalry; it’s a showcase for the best of women’s football. For fans, it’s a chance to witness history in the making. For players, it’s an opportunity to test themselves on the biggest stage. For the sport, it’s a reminder of how far women’s football has come — and how much further it can go.
“Knowing Madrid is getting closer motivates us,” said Ingrid Engen. “It raises the level of the league and pushes us to be better.”
Pere Romeu agrees. “The more competitive the matches, the better it is for everyone — for players, coaches, and fans. Rivalries like this are what makes football so special.”
The Future of El Clásico Femenino
As El Clásico Femenino continues to grow, its impact on women’s football is undeniable. From record-breaking crowds to world-class performances, this rivalry is reshaping the narrative of the sport. Whether it’s the intensity of Liga F clashes or the high stakes of the Champions League, El Clásico Femenino is here to stay.
For fans, it’s not just a game; it’s an event, a celebration, a tradition. For players, it’s the ultimate test. And for the sport, it’s a testament to its growth and potential.
No matter the venue — Camp Nou, Alfredo Di Stefano, or Montjuïc — one thing is certain: when FC Barcelona and Real Madrid meet, the world will be watching.
Watch Real Madrid vs FC Barcelona on Saturday, November 15th, at 20:00 CET / 14:00 ET, live and for free on DAZN. For more information on women's leagues from around the world on DAZN, click here.