Caroline Weir struck twice late on as Real Madrid secured a historic 3-1 victory over Barcelona at the Olympic Stadium on Sunday, keeping their slim title hopes alive.
Coming off the bench, Weir converted Linda Caicedo’s cutback in the 87th minute before sealing the win in stoppage time, bringing Madrid within four points of Liga F leaders Barça with seven matches remaining.
Earlier, Caroline Graham Hansen had equalized after Alba Redondo’s opener, but controversy arose when Jana Fernández’s goal was disallowed for offside, despite replays showing no clear infringement. With no VAR in Liga F, the on-field decision stood.
Weir’s heroics ended Madrid’s streak of 18 consecutive Clásico defeats since their formation in 2020. It also capped off a stellar week for Alberto Toril’s squad, who recently defeated Arsenal 2-0 in the first leg of their Champions League quarterfinal ahead of Wednesday’s return leg in London.
Barcelona remain atop LaLiga despite suffering their second loss of the season. Like Real Madrid, they are also in a strong position in the Champions League, holding a 4-1 advantage over Wolfsburg ahead of Thursday’s quarterfinal second leg.
Pere Romeu’s squad had dominated Madrid in the Copa de la Reina semifinals earlier this month, winning 8-1 on aggregate, and were widely expected to triumph again. However, Toril rotated his squad with the upcoming Arsenal clash in mind.
Barça created early chances but were denied by wasteful finishing from Caroline Graham Hansen and outstanding goalkeeping from Misa Rodríguez, who made a stunning save to tip Sydney Schertenleib’s strike onto the crossbar.
Alba Redondo then broke the deadlock, heading in Caroline Møller’s cross over Cata Coll, before Hansen squandered a golden opportunity at the far post with the goal wide open.
Hansen squandered another opportunity after halftime, with Rodríguez making another crucial save, but eventually found the net by converting a cross from Mapi León.
By then, Madrid had brought on Weir and Caicedo, adding pace to their counterattacks. However, Barça maintained control and appeared to have sealed the win when Fernández slotted in Alexia Putellas’ lofted pass.
To Barça’s frustration, the offside flag was raised, despite replays clearly showing that neither Ewa Pajor, who contested the ball, nor Fernández were anywhere near offside.
Weir then capitalized on Caicedo’s assist with a superb finish, adding to Barça’s misery as a sudden hailstorm sent the 35,812 spectators rushing for shelter.
Some fans may have departed early, just before the Scottish midfielder sealed Madrid’s historic victory by bundling in her second goal from close range.
