Barcelona thrash Real Madrid 6-1 in Women's Champions League quarter-final opener

Pere Romeus team, dominant in the tournament over recent seasons, surged into a two goal lead via Ewa Pajor and Esmee Brugts within the opening 13 minutes.

Linda Caicedo responded for the home side Real Madrid at the Alfredo Di Stefano venue, yet Irene Paredes swiftly reestablished Barcas two goal cushion.

Pajor and Vicky Lopez scored during the second period before Caicedo netted once more for Madrid, offering slim prospects. Alexia Putellas sealed it with a late spot kick, positioning the Catalans strongly for the semi finals.

"We recognise areas for enhancement, just like always, and that remains our pursuit, correct? Aiming to approach perfection," Putellas shared with TV3.

"We eagerly await the Camp Nou encounter with our supporters, though 90 minutes remain, yet we are delighted with this outcome."

Barca, on a 25 game unbeaten streak in all tournaments, placed second behind Arsenal in the prior campaign.

The three time champions have advanced to five successive finals and edge towards an eighth straight semi final appearance, despite missing injured three time Ballon dOr recipient Aitana Bonmati.

Rather, it fell to two time winner Putellas to orchestrate the initial goal for Barcas leading marksman Pajor.

Patri Guijarros astute lofted pass enabled Putellas to cross for Pajor to poke her fifth Champions League strike this term into an unguarded goal.

Lopezs arcing delivery found Brugts for Barcas next, as Madrid custodian Misa Rodriguez parried the effort skyward, only for it to descend beyond the line, with back Maelle Lakrar powerless to intervene.

Pajor ought to have increased Barcas margin, yet isolated against the keeper, she advanced the ball too near to Rodriguez, who cleared the danger.

Shortly after, coach Pau Quesadas Madrid responded via Caicedo, who evaded Barcas backline, evaded netminder Cata Coll, and slotted in.

Madrids joy proved fleeting, as Paredes reinstated Barcas superiority two minutes on with a dominant header from a set piece.

No mercy

Polish forward Pajor claimed her brace with a composed effort before the hour, courtesy of 18 year old playmaker Clara Serrajordis precise pass placing her clear on target.

Lopez extended the tally to five with a crisp shot from Caroline Graham Hansens pull back, as Barca dismantled their opponents.

The Catalans have triumphed in all four fixtures against Real Madrid this term, netting 16 to Madrids two.

The downside for Madrid involves facing Barca anew in Liga F this weekend, prior to the return leg, marking the initial of three Clasicos across nine days.

The upside lies in Barcas apparent vulnerability to Colombian forward Caicedo, who bent a shot into the upper corner from distance to narrow the gap again.

Putellas dispatched the penalty in the closing stages following Hansens challenge, completing the demolition and dimming Madrids hopes of reversal.

Madrid, yet to attain semi final status, require merely a second triumph over Barca ever to advance, with the Catalans victorious in 22 of 23 meetings to now.

"Those two concessions were preventable, but we must take pride and satisfaction in our performance today," stated Guijarro.

"We hope to replicate it in the return fixture."

rbs/jc/bsp