Atletico Madrid visited Athletic Bilbao for a Copa de la Reina quarterfinal match on Wednesday, pulling out a 2-0 victory despite going down to 10 women early in the second half. But the story of the day wasn’t the Madrid side’s resolve but the Bilbao fans in the stands. A record 48,121 fans turned out for the match at the San Mamés, a the highest attendance in women's soccer in Spain.
HISTORY.
48,121 fans are at San Mames to watch @Athletic_en v @AtletiFemenino, a new record for women's football in Spain.#WeSpeakTheSameGame
#CopaDeLaReina pic.twitter.com/cmCHwMhTPe— LaLiga (@LaLigaEN) January 30, 2019
Despite the stars at Barcelona, Atletico Madrid is the premier women’s club in Spain, having won the last two Primera Division titles and currently leading the league this season. Having finished runner-up in the last two Copa de la Reinas (“Cup of the Queen” instead of Cup of the King for the men), Atletico will be keen to return to the final and win it this year.
Standing in its way was Athletic Bilbao, currently fifth in the Primera, in the quarterfinals. And a massive crowd.
Récord en
48.121 personas se dieron cita en el San Mames para el duelo entre el @AthleticClub y @AtletiFemenino por la #CopaDeLaReina #FutbolFemenino( @AthleticClub) pic.twitter.com/9ZoeK4m14K
— FIFA.com en español (@fifacom_es) January 30, 2019
Ángela Sosa scored in first-half stoppage time and Aurélie Kaci put the match away in the 95th minute as Atletico prevailed despite Kenti Robles being sent off in the 49th minute.
The win puts Atleti into the semifinals, where it’ll play one of Real Sociedad, Sevilla or Barcelona.
¡Este equipazo se merece estas semifinales de la #CopaDeLaReina! #AúpaAtleti #AthleticAtleti pic.twitter.com/LzKhslqKWu
— At. Madrid Femenino (@AtletiFemenino) January 30, 2019
But chances are, regardless of where the next matches take place, none will surpass the highest attendance in women's soccer in Spain.
For a comparison to other women’s matches, here are the records for highest attendance in various countries. Wednesday’s match ranks second in the world for club competitions.
Highest Attendance In Women's Soccer (Club Competition Only)
United States — 23,403
Orlando Pride vs. Houston Dash, NWSL regular season, April 23, 2016
England — 45,423
Arsenal vs. Chelsea, Wembley Stadium, FA Cup Final, May 5, 2018
Spain — 48,121
Athletic Bilbao vs. Atletico Madrid, San Mamés, Copa de la Reina, Jan. 30, 2019
Mexico — 51,211
Monterrey vs. Tigres, Estadio BBVA Bancomer, Clausura final second leg, May 4, 2018
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