The Queen’s Cup is looking for a new owner. After the undisputed reign of Barcelona in recent years, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid they try to crown themselves as the alternative. Starting at 10:00 p.m. this Saturday, the Madrid derby will take place at the Butarque Stadium, in Leganés, for the first time in a cup final. The white team tries to get the first title in its short history, while the mattresses are confident that placing the sixth trophy in their showcases will help them to return to being among the best.
The elimination of the culés in the round of 16 gave way to a more competitive open and equal. Barça’s power in Spanish women’s football has also been reflected in the Cup: they have won the last three and five in six seasons. Since 2019, there has not been a League or Cup champion other than Barcelona. This Saturday there will be a new successor, at least in the cup competition.
The Madrid teams certified their pass to the final this week, both with a resounding result of 4-0. Madrid defeated Athletic and the most outstanding player was the Scottish Caroline Weir, with a brace. Atlético reached their fifth cup final and left Alhama, recently relegated, on the way.
Real Madrid, favorite
Real Madrid faces this last round as favourites. Despite being a club with four years of existence, it is settled in the elite. They have qualified for the Champions League for the third consecutive year and are going to play the first final in their history. As for the rivalry with its neighbor, it has accumulated three seasons, being above Atlético in the League and has managed to beat it in three of its last five clashes.
The merengue coach, Alberto Toril, stated in the preview that his players are aware of the game ahead of them: «They know that it is an important moment given the real possibility of achieving our first title. We come from a great season with great results. We are growing with steady progress, a lot of possibilities and a lot of confidence.” Weir has highlighted that inside the locker room they face the match «excited and concentrated».
To be among the best again
For its part, the goal of Atlético de Madrid is to once again be at the top of Spanish football. After disputing the titles with Barcelona not so long ago, in recent years it has been relegated to a third line. Between 2016 and 2019, the mattresses played in the four finals of the Copa de la Reina and won a title. However, accumulate three consecutive campaigns without qualifying for European competition.
The Atléticas are confident that this final will be a turning point and they will be able to play for titles again and be at the top of the League. Lola Gallardo, goalkeeper and captain, has recognized that her wardrobe feels “sad for not having met the goal of the club”, but “very excited and looking forward” to the start of the game.
The mattress coach, Manolo Cano, has asserted that it is the most important meeting of his career as a coach: “It is the game that excites me the most because it would mean winning a title in capital letters and putting the icing on the cake to a process that I feel very proud of.” Regarding the way in which his team arrives, the Catalan has stated that they arrive at “a good time to see a match of equals.”
This final is also a milestone at the arbitration level. This is the first women’s soccer match that has video arbitration. The one chosen to be in charge of the VAR is Marta Huerta de Aza and she will be assisted in the VOR room by Guadalupe Porras Ayuso. The main referee for the match is Ainara Acevedo Dudley.
2023-05-26 22:49:30
#search #womens #champion #Barcelona
