Barcelona’s success with El Clasico should inspire more women’s matches at big stadiums

The Women’s El Clasico proved unequivocally that there is a demand for women’s football. 

A total of 91,553 packed the Nou Camp for the Women’s Champions League quarter-final second leg last month –– eclipsing the previous world record of 90,185 set in 1999 when the USA faced China in the World Cup final at the Rose Bowl, California. 

But the atmosphere inside the Nou Camp last month was like nothing seen at any women’s match ever. As Barcelona ran out comfortable 5-2 winners on the night, shouts of “Alexia, Alexia”, in reference to Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas, permeated the stadium. 

Barcelona have already confirmed they are hosting their European semi-final against Wolfsburg at the same venue. And in just 24 hours, tickets sold-out, suggesting another record attendance may well be on the cards. 

This alone should be enough evidence to spark other clubs to offer opportunities to their women’s teams. For too long, there have been excuses as to why women are forced to play in separate, smaller stadiums and not afforded the honour of playing at one of the world’s most esteemed grounds. 

Yet, given the Nou Camp is the biggest stadium in Europe and one of the largest on the planet –– if that can be filled to full capacity, then others most certainly can as well. 

Barcelona’s European clash with Real Madrid had long been predicted to make history, but the match was more memorable, more mesmerising and more meaningful than anyone could’ve imagined. 

The previous domestic attendance record for a women’s tie had come in 2019 when 60,739 watched Atletico Madrid’s game against Barcelona at the Wanda Metropolitano. Last month’s Clasico didn’t just break this record, it shattered it. 

Even before the start of the match, the