Can Real Madrid Topple Barcelona and Reach the Top of Spanish Football?
Key Highlights :
In recent years, Barcelona have dominated Spanish women’s football, winning eight league titles and claiming the title of reigning champions in Spain after yet another successful campaign. But Caroline Weir, a 27-year-old attacker for Real Madrid, believes that while it will be hard, it is possible for her new club to eventually topple Barca.
Weir moved to Madrid last summer in a life-changing transfer from Manchester City, and is determined to help her new team reach the top of Spanish and European football. She has found her debut season in the Spanish capital to be a positive one, and has been inspired by the atmosphere surrounding El Clasico.
“On the day itself, there is something in the air when Madrid and Barca play,” Weir said. “I am not Spanish, obviously, so I think it removes a bit of the emotion for me which I think can be a good thing as it means my focus is all on the football. It helps to manage emotions within the game.”
Adapting to a new culture is notoriously difficult, and Weir has admitted that it was a challenge for her when she first arrived in Madrid. But she has embraced the passionate atmosphere surrounding the game and has learned a lot about herself as a person in the process.
“The people have been very welcoming and friendly,” Weir said. “The biggest thing has been the people and how passionate they are about their football. That isn’t just the players, it is everyone at the club who is connected in any way. I think it is a little bit more reserved in the UK. Here you always know what people are thinking and feeling.”
Weir is looking forward to Scotland’s Nations League campaign, where they will come up against England, Belgium, and the Netherlands. She is determined to move on from the disappointment of not qualifying for the World Cup, and is focusing on the future.
“I think we are on the right path,” Weir said. “We have brought some young players into the squad and it does take time but we are getting there. We will be playing against the best in Europe and that is what I wanted. I am buzzing, to be honest. I think it’s great - bring it on.”
Caroline Weir is determined to help Real Madrid reach the top of Spanish and European football, and is confident that her team can eventually topple Barcelona. It will be a challenge, but Weir is determined to make it happen.
