Alexia Putellas: Playing at Camp Nou is the 'beginning of a new era'

Barcelona captain Alexia Putellas has suggested the club’s Women’s Champions League with Real Madrid at Camp Nou this week has the potential to be the ‘beginning of a new era’.

50 years since a women’s team representing Barcelona first played at Camp Nou, it promises to be a momentous occasion for Barça Femeni and women’s football as a whole.

Putellas and co. played once at Camp Nou last season, but Covid-19 restrictions ensured it took place behind closed doors in an empty stadium. This time, all available tickets have sold out, with people travelling from across in order to attend the historic game.

The fact it is in the Champions League against Real Madrid of all teams, only makes it more special.

“Tomorrow could be the beginning of a new era,” Putellas reflected ahead of the game. “The match will inspire many people, especially girls, and in the future the fruits will be reaped.”

It has consistently been proven in recent years that there is a huge appetite for women’s football, whether on television or for match-going fans, when it is made available in such a way. That was clear when DAZN recorded more than 14 million views for its group stage coverage on YouTube.

For the players, it is also a landmark occasion from a personal perspective.

“I couldn't imagine playing at Camp Nou. I feel very proud that Barça makes it possible, I think it can mark a before and after in women's football,” Putellas went on to say. “We're ready. We live to play this type of match, we've dreamed of it all our lives.”

Barça hold a 3-1 lead from the first leg of the quarter-final tie in Madrid last week, having come from behind after a sluggish start to avoid a potential upset. They have won every single game they have played so far this season and remain on course to retain the treble they scooped last year.

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