Real Madrid Women kicked off their international pre-season programme with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace Women at 02:00 on Thursday, underlining their attacking quality and squad depth ahead of the new campaign. The Spanish side controlled the game from start to finish against their English opponents, looking sharp in possession and clinical when it mattered most.

Match overview

Playing in a friendly fixture at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stéfano, Real Madrid Women asserted their dominance early, pinning Palace inside their own half for long spells. The opening goal arrived midway through the first half following a well-worked move down the right flank. A low cross was turned in at the near post, giving the hosts a deserved lead. Palace Women struggled to create meaningful chances, with Real Madrid’s midfield controlling the tempo throughout.

The second half followed a similar pattern, with the Las Blancas continuing to push for a second goal. It came just past the hour mark, as a delightful through-ball split the Palace defence and the striker finished calmly past the advancing goalkeeper. Crystal Palace improved after the second goal, earning a couple of corners and forcing a save from the Real Madrid goalkeeper, but they never truly threatened a comeback.

Tactical story and standout performers

Real Madrid Women’s high defensive line and rapid transitions proved too much for Palace to handle. The Spanish side’s full-backs were heavily involved in attack, while the midfield trio rotated well to create overloads in central areas. For Crystal Palace, the match served as valuable preparation for their upcoming league season, with their goalkeeper delivering an assured performance despite conceding twice.

The result gives Real Madrid Women a strong foundation for their pre-season tour, with the coaching staff able to experiment with different formations and give valuable minutes to younger players. For Crystal Palace Women, the match against elite European opposition provides a clear benchmark for the levels needed to compete at the highest club level.

What it means

International Club Friendlies are always about more than the scoreline, but Real Madrid Women will take plenty of confidence from a clean sheet and two goals. The squad continues to gel ahead of major competitions, while Palace Women will use the experience to fine-tune their own tactical approach before the competitive season begins.