Real Madrid beats Paris FC to set up women’s Champions League quarterfinal against Barcelona

LONDON — Real Madrid booked a blockbuster women’s Champions League quarterfinal against three-time champion Barcelona after dispatching Paris FC 2-0 at Estadio Alfredo Di Stéfano on Wednesday, sealing a 5-2 aggregate victory.

Striker Naomie Feller capped a lively individual display by breaking the deadlock in the 54th minute, steering home a pinpoint cross from right back Eva Navarro. The same combination proved decisive 15 minutes later when Navarro’s driven ball across the face of goal was inadvertently turned in by Paris defender Melween N’Dongala from close range.

The tie was tilted Madrid’s way early on when Paris centre-back Théa Greboval was shown a straight red card in the fifth minute for tugging back Feller as the French international raced through on goal. Despite the numerical disadvantage, the visitors almost stunned the hosts in the 19th minute when Océane Picard’s low 20-metre drive forced a sharp save from Misa Rodríguez.

Madrid should have taken the lead in the 36th minute after Picard handled a cross, but Caroline Weir’s subsequent penalty was parried away by goalkeeper Mylène Chavas, who was facing her former club.

Feller’s opener settled nerves inside the Di Stéfano, and N’Dongala’s own goal effectively ended the contest, sending Madrid into the last eight and setting up the competition’s first-ever women’s Clásico at this stage.

The revamped Champions League format, mirroring the men’s competition, saw Barcelona, Lyon, Chelsea and Bayern Munich advance directly to the quarterfinals after finishing in the top four of the 18-team league phase, while sides placed fifth to 12th entered the playoff round.

Later on Wednesday, defending champion Arsenal will look to protect a 4-0 advantage at home to Belgian side OH Leuven; progression would pit the Gunners against London rivals Chelsea in the next round.

Thursday’s second legs see Juventus welcome two-time champion Wolfsburg with the tie level at 2-2, while Manchester United defend a 3-0 lead against Atlético Madrid at Leigh Sports Village.