Graham Hansen’s sharp words were reflected on the field, and Real Madrid suffered another blowout at home at the hands of FC Barcelona.
FC Barcelona continues its steady march toward the Liga F title and has the ticket to the Women’s Champions League semifinals in its hands after defeating Real Madrid 2-6 in the first leg of the quarterfinals.
The Catalan side defeated Pau Quesada’s team at the Alfredo Di Stefano on Sunday by a score of 0-3 with goals from Ona Batlle, Alexia Putellas, and an own goal from Maelle Lakrar, which meant they pulled 13 points ahead in the standings, practically sealing the title.
After the match, Graham Hansen was one of those tasked with speaking to the press and delivered several messages, having been one of the great protagonists of the match, where she assisted Alexia Putellas.
Hansen was one of the standout players in the latest clash between Barcelona and Real Madrid, who still have one more match to decide who advances to the Champions League semifinals on Thursday at Camp Nou.
Pere Romeu’s team practically sealed the Liga F title after pulling 13 points clear of second-place Real Madrid, and capped off a perfect week in which they scored nine goals in two matches against the white team.
Barcelona’s dominance continues to be evident in the results, and despite this, the debate over whether Real Madrid is closer to the Blaugrana team than in previous matches resurfaces whenever the two teams meet.
“It motivates us a lot when they say there is less distance. If someone thinks they are closer … well, step onto the field and show it. We are going to show the opposite,” Graham said in comments reported by Sport.
“It gives us that extra motivation that you sometimes need when you play against Madrid,” added the Norwegian winger, who also emphasized the “extra” motivation that playing against the capital side generates for them.
She also demonstrated the confidence the team has in the plans to fight for all the titles again: “We know the quality we have in the dressing room and on the field. If we do what the staff proposes, we have very good opportunities to win.”
With this, Real Madrid suffers its 26th loss in 27 matches against Barcelona, leaving it with practically no opportunities to fight for the Liga F title. Now they must look for a miracle and overturn the result in what will be the third consecutive Clasico, this time the second leg of the Champions League (trailing 2-6 on aggregate).
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