Barça heads to Madrid for the 'most difficult' Clásico with a place in the Cup semi at stake

FC Barcelona will visit Real Madrid tonight (05/02/2026, 21:00, TDP and TV3) at their rival’s ground in a single‑leg Copa de la Reina quarterfinal — the winner advances to the semifinals. Madrid are chasing their first-ever victory over Barça’s women; this season they still have not scored against the Catalans, but they hope that the balance may one day change. From Barcelona’s side the match is treated with caution: coach Pere Romeu described it as possibly the toughest tie against Madrid, taking into account that it is away and decided in a single match, and stressed that they must approach it with the highest guarantees because the opponent is steadily closing the gap.

There are availability concerns for the Catalans: Alexia Putellas celebrated her 32nd birthday at the last training session, but defender Mapi León will miss the game — the club tried everything to have her available, yet she did not feel fully comfortable in the last workout and will undergo a short rest and an adaptation period of uncertain length. Aitana Bonmatí is also absent, and Barcelona announced that María Torrejón will be unavailable for personal reasons.

Despite those absences, the likely eleven is expected to be led by Alexia and the names listed as Pari or Pajor in the provisional lineups; individually Barcelona still appear stronger and must translate that superiority into collective performance. The game comes just twelve days after the Spanish Supercup final in Castellón, where Barça won 2–0. Romeu believes the Montjuïc league match (4–0) felt more balanced — there were two shots that hit the woodwork, a penalty decision and goalkeeping saves — whereas in the Supercup final, despite Madrid’s speed and counterattack threat, they created approaches but not clear scoring chances.

The team will take a flight to the capital on the day before the match, and after the fixture at the Alfredo di Stéfano stadium they will stay overnight in Madrid, aiming to join the competition’s final four. Article updated 05/02/2026 at 12:12 CET. Reporter: Ángel Pérez (San Joan Despí).