What Is 2009 Copa de la Reina

Overview

The 2009 Copa de la Reina was the 27th edition of Spain’s premier knockout tournament for women’s football clubs. Held annually since 1983, the competition brings together the top teams from the Primera División Femenina to contest a single-elimination bracket for national cup glory.

This edition was notable for its summer scheduling, taking place between July 25 and August 2, 2009—a departure from the traditional spring timeline. The tournament culminated in a final between two Madrid-based clubs, RCD Espanyol and Rayo Vallecano, marking a rare all-Madrid final in the cup’s history.

• RCD Espanyol claimed their third Copa de la Reina title by defeating Rayo Vallecano 3–1 in the final, cementing their status as one of Spain’s top women’s teams of the era.
• The final match was hosted at Estadio Municipal de Chapín in Jerez de la Frontera, a neutral venue selected by the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF).
• This was the first time since 2001 that two teams from the same city faced off in the final, highlighting the growing strength of Madrid’s women’s football programs.
• The tournament featured a compact eight-team format, including defending champions Sporting de Huelva, who were eliminated in the semifinals by Rayo Vallecano.
• Matches were played midweek, with all knockout rounds completed within nine days, emphasizing the condensed nature of the 2009 competition schedule.

How It Works

The Copa de la Reina operates as a single-elimination tournament, typically involving the top finishers from the women’s league. The 2009 edition followed this model with slight scheduling adjustments due to international fixtures.

• Format: The tournament used a straight knockout system with quarterfinals, semifinals, and a final. All matches were one-off games, with extra time and penalties if needed.
• Eligibility: The top 8 teams from the 2008–09 Primera División Femenina season qualified, ensuring only the strongest clubs competed for the cup.
• Scheduling: Unusually held in July–August 2009, the tournament was moved to accommodate the Spanish national team’s preparations for the 2011 World Cup qualifiers.
• Venue Selection: The RFEF assigned Estadio Municipal de Chapín as the final venue, a 20,500-capacity stadium in Andalusia, chosen for its neutral location and adequate facilities.
• Refereeing: All matches were officiated by licensed female referees under RFEF supervision, with Isabel Bustamante handling the final as the center referee.
• Prize: The winners received the Copa de la Reina trophy, national recognition, and qualification for the UEFA Women’s Cup, the predecessor to the Champions League.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2009 Copa de la Reina with the previous and following editions:

The 2009 edition stands out for its summer timing and Madrid-centric final. Unlike 2008 and 2010, which saw regional rivals from Andalusia and Aragon, the 2009 final showcased two teams from the same city, reflecting a shift in competitive balance. The move to July also set a precedent for future scheduling flexibility, especially during international cycles.

Why It Matters

The 2009 Copa de la Reina was a pivotal moment in Spanish women’s football, highlighting the sport’s growing competitiveness and national reach. It also underscored the importance of flexible scheduling in supporting both club and national team development.

• RCD Espanyol’s victory marked their third title, reinforcing their legacy as one of Spain’s most successful women’s clubs before their eventual withdrawal from professional football in 2012.
• The tournament provided visibility for women’s football during a transitional period, helping build momentum for future professionalization efforts.
• Hosting the final in Jerez demonstrated the RFEF’s commitment to expanding the sport’s footprint beyond traditional football hubs like Madrid and Barcelona.
• Rayo Vallecano’s back-to-back final appearances in 2009 and 2010 highlighted the club’s sustained investment in women’s football despite limited resources.
• The 2009 format influenced future editions, with the RFEF adopting more flexible scheduling to avoid clashes with international duties.
• It served as a platform for emerging talent, with players like Verónica Boquete gaining national attention ahead of their international careers.

Ultimately, the 2009 Copa de la Reina was more than just a cup final—it was a milestone in the evolution of women’s football in Spain, setting the stage for the professional league that would launch a decade later.