Putellas hails Barcelona fans on 'magical' night

Barcelona'sAlexia Putellaswas grateful for more record fan support on a "magical" night as the Spanish champions thumpedReal Madrid6-0 at Spotify Camp Nou to set up a UEFA Women's Champions League semifinal withBayern Munich.

The attendance of 60,067 was the highest at Spotify Camp Nou for either the men's or the women's team since the stadium reopened last November after being renovated.

It was also the highest in the competition since Barça hostedChelseain 2023 (72,262) and the fourth highest ever -- all four top spots are held by the Catalans, with the record of 91,648 set against Wolfsburg in 2022.

Putellas, who opened the scoring on her 500th Barça appearance, ended the night being hoisted in the air by her teammates as the supporters chanted her name.

"I am really grateful, I feel super loved," Putellas told Disney+.

"The fans are the best, I have always said it. The best thing this side has is the connection with the supporters because we always go out to try and represent the shirt as best we can. It's emotional to see that, at the end of the day, no?

"I have no words to describe the feeling right now. It's been magical. Around 20 years ago, it was me sat in the corner of the stadium with my family, and now I can say that I have played my 500th game for the club here.

"I am super grateful and I hope the fans here see it as an opportunity for them, because I was there where they were. I am human, like everyone here today, and one day I am sure they can achieve it."

Thursday's meeting between Barça and Madrid was the third of threeClásicosin a week. The trilogy began with Barça winning 6-2 in the first leg last Wednesday and they went on to win 3-0 inLiga Fat the weekend, moving to the brink of a seventh successive league title.

Wednesday's 6-0 win -- sealed via Putellas' goal, aCaroline Graham Hansenbrace and strikes fromIrene Paredes,Ewa PajorandEsmee Brugts-- then completed an aggregate score of 12-2 in the Champions League tie.

"Our intention was to go out as if the tie was level," Putellas said of Barça's desire to put on a show despite going into the second leg with a big lead.

"That's this team's DNA. We have said it in interviews this week, but the important thing is to show it on the pitch. That's where we feel comfortable."

German side Bayern, who Barça beat 7-1 earlier this season, now stand in the way of Putellas and her teammates reaching a sixth successive Champions League final.

"These are the best months of the season," Putellas added. "This is what you prepare for, to enjoy, to respond on the pitch. I am excited to be back in the semifinals again and now for Bayern."

Madrid, meanwhile, will look to regroup and go again next season. After beating Barça for the first time last March and then reaching a second successive Champions League quarterfinal, they looked to be improving, but this last week has shown they still have a long way to go.

"Credit to Barça, but we also have to reflect and be self-critical," coach Pau Quesada said in a news conference.

"Anything I say now will sound like an excuse. It could be a mental issue, but it's not just that. They have another gear in everything. They're the best. They have some of the best players in the world and that's the gap we have to cut.

"We are in the top eight in Europe, but that's not enough when your opponent is so superior. We have competed against everyone this season -- Frankfurt,Roma, PSG, Wolfsburg, even away atArsenal-- except Barça. Of the best 20 players in the world, maybe 10 are here. So if you want to sign better players, it's very hard."