Women’s football develops slowly, quietly, subject to sexist criticism, but relentlessly. While there are still those who consider it a second-rate sport, there are more and more fans who are becoming passionate, driven by the skill of the players and the sense of vengeance of those who make their way into the world they were told. not them. How, Italy set a new record on Tuesday evening: 39,454 spectators watched Roma and Barcelona play for the first time in the quarter-finals of the Champions League at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.
Until this week, unofficial women’s football matches have always been held at the Olimpico for charitable purposes. “This is a great achievement for Roma and all Italian women’s football,” Roma coach Alessandro Spugna commented on his debut at the capital’s stadium. This year, Roma participate in the Women’s Champions League for the first time., after qualifying for second place in the last championship. Barcelona, on the other hand, became Spanish and European champions two years ago. Thus, the outcome of the match, which ended in a 1-0 victory for Barca, was predictable, but, according to him, sports newspaper “Spugna’s group has shown they can compete with the Spanish champions by (almost) completely closing the technical gap between the two teams.”
This is due, at least in part, to the fans who supported the Giallorossi players. In the second half Roma have repeatedly come close to a draw with several chances for a goal from Valentina Giacinti, Andressa Alves and Manuela Giugliano. This, among other things, was the first to return the number 10 shirt to the Olimpico for Roma since the retirement of Francesco Totti. “Despite defeat,” he writes. Newspaper“Roma leaves the field to the applause of his people and the chant of “Vincerete il tricolor” performed by Curva Sud. The best way to prepare for the second leg scheduled for March 29th.”
Source: Elle