Pajor’s Stunning Double Leads Barcelona to Convincing Clásico Win Over Madrid
By Sam Marsden
November 15, 2025, 01:25 PM ET
In her first start in over a month, Ewa Pajor netted two goals, helping Barcelona secure a resounding 4-0 victory against Real Madrid in a thrilling Clásico match at the Olympic Stadium. This victory allowed Barcelona to extend its lead at the top of Liga F to seven points.
Substitutes Sydney Schertenleib and Aitana Bonmatí scored late in the game, adding to Pajor’s first-half brace. Although the scoreline was lopsided, the match featured intense moments, with Madrid lamenting missed chances, most notably a penalty kick squandered by Caroline Weir while the score was still 2-0, which could have changed the momentum.
Pajor’s instinctive play was crucial as she dominated the early exchanges, having the ball in the net four times within the first half-hour, with two goals disallowed for tight calls on offside and a handball. Alexia Putellas almost opened the scoring for Barça just 30 seconds into the match, hitting the post.
Real Madrid had their own opportunities, with Weir’s goal being ruled out for offside, and Naomie Feller striking the woodwork. Linda Caicedo was thwarted by an outstanding save from Cata Coll, while Irene Paredes cleared a potential goal off the line.
This commanding win came after Barcelona suffered a rare defeat to Real Sociedad two weeks prior, where they lost 1-0 without Pajor due to injury – their first blank in the league since January 2020.
Pajor’s return to fitness came just in time, following a knee injury that initially looked to sideline her for an extended period. She marked her comeback with a powerful performance, bringing her tally to ten goals for the season.
“This match is incredibly special,” Pajor remarked. “It’s not just significant in Spain but globally, and I definitely felt the rivalry. I’m thrilled we won.” Her two goals also served as redemption after Barcelona’s surprise loss in the previous Clásico.
In their last meeting, held at the same stadium, Madrid triumphed 3-1, ending a lengthy 18-match losing streak against Barcelona, indicating that the gap between the two teams is narrowing.
The significance of this victory was echoed by Barça defender Esmee Brugts, who expressed a desire for “revenge” following the earlier loss, and Paredes, who emphasized the team’s intent to seize this opportunity.
The match ignited fierce competition, highlighted by a penalty awarded to Madrid in the 81st minute following a controversial decision when colliding with Athenea del Castillo. After a lengthy VAR review, the penalty was upheld.
Prior to this, Pajor had two strikes disallowed, fueling tension among Barça fans and players. Weir stepped up for the penalty but was denied by Coll, who made an impressive save, receiving a roaring response from the crowd, even louder than for any of the goals scored.
Coll remarked on the incident, saying, “For me, it wasn’t a penalty. I felt a lot of pressure to keep the clean sheet.” She later made another crucial save from Athenea as Barcelona held onto their lead.
In injury time, Schertenleib and Bonmatí secured the win with late goals, cementing the victory, though Madrid knew they had been in an intense battle.
“We were close today,” said Madrid goalkeeper Misa Rodríguez. “The chances we had, we didn’t convert. That’s what sets these two teams apart in a Clásico game.”
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