While much of the soccer-loving world was fixed to ESPN+ to watch Real Madrid lose dramatically to Real Sociedad or Barcelona struggle against Athletic Bilbao in the Copa del Rey quarterfinals on Thursday, there was a bigger match going on in Spain not shown on international TV.
The top two teams in the Primera División, Spain’s top flight for women, went toe-to-toe in the Supercopa Femenina semifinals at Helmántico Stadium in Salamanca. And while the Copa del Rey matches on the men’s side were thrilling to watch, they couldn’t compare to the dazzling display of goals put forth in the women’s match.
With a spot in the final on the line, Barcelona rallied for a 3-2 victory over three-time defending league champion Atlético Madrid, sparked by a remarkable volley from Patri Guijarro.
Barcelona, runner-up in the last four league campaigns, will play Real Sociedad in the final on Sunday back at Helmántico Stadium. Real Sociedad beat Levante 1-0 in the other semifinal on Wednesday.
The Supercopa de España Femenina is the first of its kind in Spain and is a four-team, single-elimination tournament. It’s similar in format to the men’s version, but wisely not held in Saudi Arabia. The teams were drawn from the two finalists from last season’s Copa de la Reina (Real Sociedad beat Atleti 2-1 in the final) and the remaining two highest-ranked teams from last season’s Primera División (Barcelona finished second and Levante third).
Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid Highlights
Comença la semifinal! / ¡Empieza la semifinal!
Esport3 / Teledeporte #ForçaBarça #SupercopaFemenina pic.twitter.com/Jg5RxcuxGJ
— FC Barcelona Femení (@FCBfemeni) February 6, 2020
England international Toni Duggan, a former Barcelona player, put Atlético in front after just three minutes with a smashing long-range blast. Given plenty of time and space, Duggan’s shot zipped into the back of the net before Sandra Paños in goal could even react.
Goool de @toniduggan!! pic.twitter.com/hjEKCqOhNL
— FCB (@FCBseny) February 6, 2020
But the lead didn’t last long and soon Barcelona was scoring from all over the place.
Patri Guijarro, who we’ve gushed about a few times before, lashed a stunning volley past Lola Gallardo to equalize in the 12th minute.
Som a la final de la #SupercopaFemenina!
La remuntada ha començat amb aquest gol de @Patri8Guijarro pic.twitter.com/8cUx9VVKEu— FC Barcelona Femení (@FCBfemeni) February 6, 2020
And yeah, we’re gonna need to see that one again.
La repetición del gol y la celebración de @Patri8Guijarro pic.twitter.com/hj4XKULOxc
— FCB (@FCBseny) February 6, 2020
From there it was game on, with both teams fighting up and down the pitch for the next goal. Mexico international Charlyn Corral thought she had found it only for her effort to bounce off the post and into the thankful arms of Paños.
Al palo @CharlynCorral!!! pic.twitter.com/9sQjhD8tC9
— FCB (@FCBseny) February 6, 2020
A few minutes later, Barcelona was in front.
Norway’s Caroline Graham Hansen picked out the Netherlands’ Lieke Martens and the 2017 Best FIFA Women’s Player made no mistake with her first-time finish.
@liekemartens1
El segon gol del Barça contra l'Atlètic de Madrid pic.twitter.com/s0Xtu5WsBi— FC Barcelona Femení (@FCBfemeni) February 6, 2020
Hansen, it should be said, had a strong game on the wing, as the former Wolfsburg star showed here with some fancy feet.
Ohhhhh.... @CarolineGrahamH pic.twitter.com/YqueEE9k9m
— FCB (@FCBseny) February 6, 2020
Of course, Martens is pretty good on the wing herself. Just before halftime, she beat her defender to whip in a cross that Nigeria’s Asisat Oshoala headed into the roof of the net.
GOOOOOOOL de @AsisatOshoala!!! Asistencia de @liekemartens1!! (1-3) pic.twitter.com/2Y1GxqqdEV
— FCB (@FCBseny) February 6, 2020
Not long later, Oshoala thought she had put Barcelona up 4-1 only to have this strong effort called back for a foul on the Nigerian.
Gol anulado a @AsisatOshoala por supuesta falta en ataque pic.twitter.com/spVlVk8DSi
— FCB (@FCBseny) February 6, 2020
The goal gave Atleti a reprieve, which Corral took advantage of to pull her side within 3-2 with half an hour to play with a perfectly placed shot from the edge of the 18.
Golazo de @CharlynCorral!! Hay partido... (2-3) pic.twitter.com/RVA9UMwAop
— FCB (@FCBseny) February 6, 2020
Despite the introduction of former Florida State star Deyna Castellanos in the 82nd minute, Atlético Madrid couldn’t find a third goal to stay alive, sending Barcelona on to the final against Real Sociedad.
The victory reasserts Barcelona as the favorite to win the Primera División this season. The Blaugrana lead second-place Atleti by nine points just over the halfway point of the season. Barcelona has dominated the campaign this season, having yet to lose a match with two draws out of 18, outscoring opponents 68-6.
Full-Time Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid Highlights Supercopa Femenina
