The world of women’s football delivered a weekend full of thrilling derbies and statement victories across Europe’s top leagues. From Barcelona’s dominant Clásico display to the WSL’s top-of-the-table clashes, here are the key stories you need to know.
Barcelona Assert Dominance in Clásico
Spanish giants Barcelona once again proved their superiority over rivals Real Madrid, cruising to a comfortable 4-0 away win in the women’s Clásico. The victory extended Barça’s perfect record against Las Blancas to 15 wins in 15 meetings, with an aggregate score of 16-0 in their last four matchups. Despite Madrid’s recent improvements, they were simply no match for the reigning European champions, who sit eight points clear at the top of Liga F.
Chelsea Lay Down Title Marker
In a pivotal top-of-the-table WSL clash, Chelsea made a resounding statement in their quest for a sixth straight league title. The Blues ended Manchester City’s unbeaten start to the season with a hard-fought 2-0 win at Kingsmeadow, courtesy of late goals from Mayra Ramírez and Guro Reiten. New manager Sonia Bompastor became the first Chelsea boss to win her opening seven WSL games, as the champions moved three points clear at the summit with a game in hand.
We controlled the game against a very good team. I’m really proud of the mentality and spirit we showed to get this crucial win.
Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor
Slegers Revival Continues as Arsenal Down Spurs
Arsenal’s resurgence under interim coach Renée Slegers shows no signs of slowing down after a commanding 3-0 win over north London rivals Tottenham. The Gunners are now unbeaten in six games since the Dutchwoman took charge, playing with a fluidity and cutting edge that was sorely lacking earlier in the campaign. Victory in the derby reignited their push for Champions League football, though Chelsea’s relentless form means a title tilt may prove out of reach.
Controversy in Merseyside, Villa Off the Mark
Elsewhere in the WSL, Everton picked up their first win of the season in a contentious Merseyside derby against Liverpool. The only goal came from a highly debatable penalty decision, with replays showing clear contact outside the box before Katja Snoeijs converted from the spot. Liverpool manager Matt Beard was left fuming at the officials after a frustrating defeat for his side.
Meanwhile, Aston Villa finally kicked their campaign into gear with a dramatic 3-2 victory over Crystal Palace. A 94th-minute rocket from Ebony Salmon proved the difference in a five-goal thriller, giving Villa a first win at the eighth attempt this term.
Goal Gluts in France and Germany
On the continent, Lyon dished out another hammering in their rivalry with Saint-Étienne. USWNT star Lindsey Horan helped herself to four goals in an 11-0 rout – the 15th time OL have hit double figures in the fixture. Across the border in Germany, the top-four tussle intensified as narrow wins for Eintracht Frankfurt and Bayer Leverkusen kept them hot on the heels of leaders Wolfsburg, with perennial challengers Bayern Munich also in close attendance.
Juventus Stunned, Levante Boost
There was a rare slip-up for Serie A pacesetters Juventus, held 2-2 by lowly Sassuolo after a Gina Chmielinski double pegged them back twice. The Bianconere remain unbeaten but saw their lead cut to six points by Roma. In Spain, goals from Ivonne Chacón gave Levante a much-needed win over Real Betis amid a difficult season impacted by summer departures and the devastating floods in the region.
With shock results, thrilling derbies and statements of intent across the board, this weekend’s women’s football action provided entertainment and talking points galore. As the season progresses, the battles for silverware and survival promise to deliver yet more excitement for fans of the beautiful game.
