On Matchday 28 of Liga F, Real Madrid hosted Atlético de Madrid in what should have been an entertaining derby, but ultimately secured a narrow 1:0 win in a rather underwhelming affair.
The situation was clear: Pau Quesada’s side could not afford any more slip-ups if they wanted to avoid putting direct qualification for next season’s UEFA Women’s Champions League at risk. Only the top two teams qualify directly for the competition, while the third-placed side has to go through the qualifying rounds.
The second-placed team went into the match level on points with third-placed Real Sociedad and were therefore under pressure. At the same time, the team wanted to build on their 2:0 win in Seville after the previous two home games, the 0:3 defeat against Barcelona and the draw against DUX Logroño, had ended disappointingly.
José Herrera’s team arrived without any chance of qualifying for the Champions League, sitting in fourth place and 13 points behind. However, they had looked solid in recent weeks and wanted to gain confidence ahead of the Copa de la Reina final against Barcelona. On top of that, the Rojiblancas had repeatedly taken important points off Las Blancas in recent years: Atlético won the reverse fixture 2:1 and had not lost in Valdebebas since 2022.
Real Madrid wanted to take control of this important match from the very beginning. The first dangerous chance also fell to the hosts: Linda Caicedo controlled a half-high through ball brilliantly with her first touch, but was denied by Atlético goalkeeper Lola Gallardo.
In the following minutes, Real looked full of confidence and the determination to win was written all over the players’ faces. It came as little surprise when Naomie Feller only hit the crossbar in the 8th minute. Atlético also created chances in the opening stages, but the clearer opportunities belonged to the home side. Gallardo was tested time and time again, including when Caroline Weir got a shot away with her left foot from a central position inside the box. Real caused plenty of problems down the wings in particular, with Caicedo repeatedly using her explosiveness to break through.
In the 25th minute, Weir finally rewarded her team for all their efforts. After a free kick, the cleared ball fell to the Scot, who struck it first time with her magical left foot and smashed a volley in under the crossbar. Gallardo, who had rushed off her line, had no chance of stopping it.
The game remained intense and physical afterwards, but clearly lost tempo and goalscoring opportunities. Both teams knew how much was at stake, which is why Real Madrid in particular took very few risks after taking the lead.
Atlético Madrid still refused to give up. In the 66th minute, Luany won a foot race and got a shot away from a central position in front of goal, but her effort caused no problems for Merle Frohms. Just two minutes later, Real were fortunate when Vilde Bøe Risa hit the crossbar.
The closing stages were played almost exclusively in front of the hosts’ goal. Fiamma Benítez even attempted a bicycle kick, although she failed to make proper contact with the ball.
For large parts of the match, it still felt as though both teams were not fully using their potential. After a strong opening phase, the derby gradually lost intensity and especially after Weir’s goal turned into a rather scrappy affair.
In the end, it was a fairly underwhelming Madrid derby that finished in a 1:0 win for Las Blancas. Real Madrid secured three hugely important points in the race for direct Champions League qualification, although without delivering a particularly convincing performance.
Real Madrid now have more than two weeks off before travelling to Badalona on May 26 for their next league match. Atlético will host CD Tenerife on the same day.