Not even the sight of construction cranes spoiled Barcelona Femení’s homecoming to the renovated Spotify Camp Nou. More than 1,000 days after their last match there, the stadium felt familiar again: a red carpet, a mosaic declaring “El nostre camí” (our path) and an event both ceremonial and celebratory.
Over 60,000 supporters packed the ground — the fourth-largest crowd in the competition’s history — to watch Europe’s most feared side tighten their grip on a fourth Champions League crown. Barca’s 6-0 victory, completing a 12-2 aggregate triumph over Real Madrid, was the most emphatic meeting in a sequence that produced 15 goals across three fixtures in eight days. At the centre of the evening was captain Alexia Putellas, making her 500th appearance for the club.
With Aitana Bonmatí still sidelined by injury, Putellas relished the spotlight, controlling the midfield, dictating tempo and helping drive Barcelona’s relentless attacking pattern. She scored, set up two more and produced inventive moments of craft and composure — including a no-look pass that teed up Caroline Graham Hansen’s second goal.
Statistically she dominated: 102 touches (only Patri Guijarro had more, with 122) and 73 accurate passes. When she was withdrawn in the 83rd minute the stadium rose to applaud; after the final whistle teammates returned her captain’s armband in a quiet, telling salute to her standing within the squad.
Putellas has now scored 15 times against Real Madrid, more than she has versus any other opponent, but her influence goes beyond goals. Her feints, sudden shifts of direction and game-reading ability repeatedly drew roars from the crowd and helped lift the atmosphere all night.
Since debuting for Barcelona in 2012, Putellas has been integral to the club’s transformation from domestic contender to European powerhouse. Nights like this have become expected from Barca, yet their mission remains focused and driven.
If Barcelona get past Bayern Munich in the semi-final they will face the winners of Arsenal versus Lyon. Fans will remember Arsenal’s shock victory in Lisbon last year; a repeat confrontation this May is possible, and one Putellas would surely welcome.