Real Madrid vs. Barcelona starting XI prediction for UWCL quarterfinal first leg
By Parshva Shah
Real Madrid Femenino have made it to the quarter-finals of the UEFA Women’s Champions League 2021-22, reaching the knockout stage of the premier European club competition in their first appearance itself. They will be facing the rampant Barcelona Femení, who won the competition in 2020-21 and wrapped up the league with a 5-0 hammering of Las Blancas.
Alberto Toril has restored faith and belief in both the players and the fans. The former Castilla manager has managed 15 games since taking over from David Aznar mid-season. The manager has won 12 games and lost 3, with all those three losses coming against the seemingly unbeatable Barcelona side.
Las Blancas will host the Blaugranes in the crunch UWCL quarterfinal tie, with the 1st Leg to be played on Tuesday, 22nd March. Let’s take a look at how Alberto Toril’s side could line up at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stéfano on Tuesday night. Real Madrid Femenino have a real chance of breaking the hoodoo against the Primera Iberdrola champions.
GK Misa Rodríguez
The Spanish goalkeeper is arguably the best player for Real Madrid Femenino this season. She has saved Las Blancas on countless occasions, and I cannot be more grateful to her for being a warrior of the highest class for the team. She will be one of the most important players of the team if they are to cause upset to Barcelona Femení.
RB Kenti Robles
Kenti Robles is the best option at right-back for Las Blancas. Her work rate in defence and her willingness to create danger in the opposition final third make her a handful for any opposition. Her experience will be crucial for Real Madrid Femenino and she will have to keep Aitani Bonmatí quiet.
CB Ivana Andrés
The captain and leader of Real Madrid Femenino will be facing the challenge to shrug her Women’s Clásico woes by displaying a spirited performance at the back. Her leadership will have to rub on the rest of the team, and Las Blancas will hope and pray for their skipper to have a good day at the heart of the defence.
CB Babett Peter
Babett has had a very good revival under Alberto Toril. Keeping the likes of Jenni Hermoso and Fridolina Rolfö at bay could be a difficult task, but we all know she can be a tough player to beat alongside Ivana Andrés.
LB Sofie Svava
Sofie Svava should start over Olga Carmona at all costs. She is one of the best young left-backs in the world but she’s yet to replicate the same in the Royal White shirt. Still, she has the ability to produce something out of nothing and will be a key player to get in behind the Barca backline and break the lines.
CM Teresa Abelleira
Teresa Abelleira is one of the big promises in the talented Real Madrid Femenino squad. Her ability to distribute the ball well will be a big factor in the battle of the two midfields. Barca Femení dominate possession in most games and press high up the pitch. Teresa’s ability to keep the ball and find passing outlets will come in handy big time against such a formidable opponent.
CM Maite Oroz
The dynamic Maite Oroz possesses the talent to nullify the opposition midfield single-handedly or, rather, single-footedly. She can beat a player on the dribble easily and will be very important to counter the press of the opposition. Maite will be expected to sparkle if Las Blancas are to get a positive result.
CM Claudia Zornoza
Zornoza has been one of the most impressive signings for Real Madrid Femenino in its short history. She brings a lot of value to the midfield. Considering the fact that she scored the winner against Manchester City Women in the UEFA Women’s Champions League Qualifying Round, it can be expected that she will elevate her game a notch higher to help Real Madrid Femenino.
RW Athenea del Castillo
The 21-year old is the most exciting player to watch on Real Madrid Femenino and one of the most promising youngsters in Spain and Europe at the moment. She has upped her goalscoring ante in the recent weeks and you can bet your money on the winger to torment opposition defenders effortlessly. Athenea has become one of the first names on the team sheet for Real Madrid Femenino, and the UWCL game against Barca Femení is one she’ll be eager to have her imprint on.
ST Esther González
The former Levante striker has been in supreme goalscoring nick for Las Blancas this season, scoring 14 goals in 26 appearances. Her intelligence in and around the box, coupled with her brilliant close control in tight spaces and a commendable link-up ability make her a wily customer for any opposition. She’ll be expected to find the back of the net come Tuesday.
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LW Caroline Møller
Caroline Møller has become a bonafide UWCL performer for Real Madrid Femenino this term, scoring a hat-trick Breidablik in the group stage. Her long legs allow her to create a separation from her marker, which leads to a lot of attacks. Her height allows her to be good in the air. Møller could prove to be the unpredictable X-Factor for Las Blancas against Barcelona Femení.