Barcelona 6-0 Real Madrid (Agg 12-2): Barca celebrate Spotify’s return to Camp Nou by beating Clasico champions in the Women’s Champions League

Barcelona progressed to their eighth consecutive Women’s Champions League semi-final after thrashing Spanish champions Real Madrid 6-0 in the revamped Spotify Camp Nou, winning the tie with a stunning 12-2 scoreline.

The three-time champions are looking to regain the title they lost to Arsenal last season, and after going through the league game unbeaten, they also went through their quarter-finals to set up a last-four meeting with Bayern Munich.

Thursday’s victory marked the great return of Barcelona Femeni to the Spotify Camp Nou for the first time in almost three years during the ongoing renovations, as more than 60,000 supporters filled the ground and were treated to a football show ‘el nostre cami’ – which translates to “our way”.

Barça had already beaten Madrid five times in all competitions this season, but this result was perhaps the most compelling of the lot, thanks to another masterclass from Alexia Putellas on his 500th club appearance.

It was the No. 11 who scored the opening goal and set up the second, all before the 15-minute mark. Irene Paredes and Ewa Pajor were also on the scoresheet before the half-time whistle as Real were beaten by the Barca side with a full free-flow. As hard as they worked, they couldn’t get any closer.

Caroline Graham Hansen got the team’s pick in the 55th minute, aided by the vision of Putellas, she outpaced her defender and beat Misa Rodriguez. Agent Esmee Brugts put home a well-worked sixth before the night was out.

Barcelona will face Bayern Munich in May’s final in Oslo, while the same semi-final will be contested by Arsenal and Lyon after last year’s semi-final.

Based on recent evidence, every team left will consider Pere Romeu’s side a formidable opponent. Barcelona are winless in their last 27 games in all competitions – the last time they tasted defeat in Europe was in last season’s Champions League.

And there are certainly few who can compete with such a team at this time. Barcelona looks to be the team to beat a lot.

Graham Hansen enjoys a memorable homecoming

Barcelona first Caroline Graham Hansen to UEFA: “Every time we play here, it will always be one of the best memories.

“To play here in this beautiful stadium with these fans, and the best team in the world, for me, and the best group of people – it’s an eternal memory.

“We didn’t win anything today, but it’s an unforgettable night that I will cherish for a long time. Obviously we want to try to get to the final again and show that we can play well in the final.”

Romeu praises Barca’s hunger to win

Barcelona head coach Peter Romeo to UEFA: “I’m lucky to work here but not only for games like this, nights like the ones we’ve enjoyed. I’m lucky because the team is very competitive. They’re hungry to improve.

“They worked from the first minute to the 90th. When the tie was so tight, it’s amazing that my players kept their hunger and energy to reach that level.

“They have won a lot, but they never lower their level. They train like they play – 100 percent in everything.”

Lyon need more time to book the Arsenal game

Record eight-time winners Lyon will face Arsenal in their last four after extra-time goals from Melcie Dumornay, Damaris Egurrola and Tabitha Chawinga secured a 4-1 aggregate victory against Wolfsburg.

Trailing 1-0 from the first leg in Germany, Lyon leveled the tie with Lily Yohannes’ effort in the first half, and midfielders Dumornay and Egurrola struck within five minutes at the end of the first period of extra time.

Malawi striker Tabitha Chawinga scored Lyon’s fourth late in the second half.