Paredes reveals Barcelona “didn’t expect to have four-goal lead” against Real Madrid

Madrid—Barcelona defender Irene Paredes admitted the Catalans were stunned by the size of their cushion after a rampant 6-2 win over Real Madrid in the first leg of their UEFA Women’s Champions League quarter-final on Wednesday night.

Paredes, who headed home her side’s third goal at the Estadio Alfredo di Stéfano just moments after Linda Caicedo had reduced the deficit to 2-1, said the four-goal margin was beyond expectations.

“We are so happy that we already beat them many times but each time is a new game, a new opportunity,” the 34-year-old told CBS Sports. “Today it was an important game, a tough one also and we are happy with the result.”

Barça’s victory was built on ruthless finishing and relentless pressure, yet Paredes acknowledged defensive lapses that allowed Caicedo to score twice. “We didn’t want to concede two goals, but Real Madrid are a really good team. They had their chances. I think Linda played a really good game,” she said. “We didn’t expect to have a four-goal lead so we are happy with that. Of course we will have to continue working on the mistakes because we can do better.”

The tie is the first of three clásicos in eight days. The teams meet again on Sunday in Liga F before the return leg at the Spotify Camp Nou next Thursday. Paredes conceded the condensed schedule is demanding. “It’s not easy to play against this team three times in a row in such a short period of time, but it’s like this,” she said.

With seven league fixtures remaining, Barcelona hold a 10-point advantage over Madrid at the top of Liga F. Paredes stressed the importance of maintaining momentum: “We will go back to Barcelona and we want to rest, we will prepare for the weekend’s game. It is important also for us to win on the weekend to have good feelings but also to continue our road to the league title.”

Barcelona now carry a commanding lead into next week’s second leg, but Paredes warned against complacency as the pursuit of a domestic and European double intensifies.