In the realm of women's football in Spain, one name stands tall above the rest: Barcelona. With a flawless record of winning 16 out of 16 games in the Spanish Liga F, they have established their dominance as the eight-time champions. However, their supposed rivals, Real Madrid, have failed to meet expectations this season.
Real Madrid Femenino, as they are known since their establishment in the summer of 2020, have faced a challenging season. Despite aspirations of cementing themselves as Spain's second team, they find themselves nine points behind Barcelona in the league. Their campaign took a hit when they were eliminated from the Copa de la Reina in the quarterfinals and experienced a disappointing exit from the UEFA Women's Champions League group stage.
The project in Madrid began when Real Madrid Femenino merged with CD TACON, an independent club that had earned promotion to the top flight for the 2019-20 season. The newly-formed team aimed to accelerate their success by recruiting established stars like Kosovare Asllani, Sofia Jakobsson, Aurélie Kaci, and Babett Peter. However, their efforts have yielded mixed results.
In their first two seasons in Liga F, Real Madrid finished as runners-up and then third place. Last season, they secured the second spot once again. These achievements, coupled with deep runs in the Copa de la Reina, suggested that winning the title this year was a realistic goal. However, their hopes were dashed when rivals Atlético Madrid knocked them out, leaving a bitter taste in their mouths.
Head coach Alberto Toril, who took over after a string of poor results in 2021, has defended the team's performance, citing their relative youth and learning curve. Yet, even with the departure of most players from the previous season, the squad boasts experienced players with World Cup and Champions League experience. Apart from Esther González and Nahikari García, who were signed for this season but already playing elsewhere, the team has maintained some continuity.
Their journey in the UEFA Women's Champions League has been enlightening but challenging. In their first season, they navigated past their opponents to reach the quarterfinals, where they faced Barcelona. Despite their second season drawing a tougher group, Real Madrid Femenino was knocked out after meeting Chelsea. Nevertheless, Toril expressed satisfaction with the team's performance and believed they were closing in on their more established opponents.
This season's Champions League campaign, however, took a turn for the worse. Real Madrid managed only one point, losing to Paris FC, Häcken, and Chelsea. Toril remained positive, highlighting the team's effort against top-quality opponents, but acknowledged the disappointment of not qualifying. The team has also faced injury issues that have affected their momentum during crucial stages of the season.
Real Madrid's struggles this season can also be attributed to missing key players, notably Caroline Weir, who was named the player of the season in 2022-23. Her absence revealed the team's dependency on her and the need for a more cohesive unit. While Toril remains confident in the team's progress and ability to handle the pressure associated with the club's name, the gap between Real Madrid and elite teams like Barcelona and Chelsea remains significant.
Looking ahead, securing a top-two or top-three finish in Liga F will guarantee Real Madrid another season of Champions League football. However, a deeper evaluation of their overall growth is necessary. While attracting top talent and consistently competing for European qualification sets them apart, there is a lingering sense that something is missing in their football.
Currently placed two points ahead of Levante in third place, Real Madrid faces the challenge of maintaining their position. The team's ability to cope with increasing expectations and display signs of progress will determine their future path. If their performances continue to stagnate under Toril's guidance, it may be time for a change.
Real Madrid Femenino's journey is still in its early stages, and patience may be required for them to reach the heights they aspire to. The historic club aims to build upon its legacy in the women's game, and with each passing year, they hope to make significant strides. Yet, for now, their battle to challenge Barcelona and other top teams remains an uphill climb.
