Villarreal Women, despite the draw, secure home advantage in the promotion play-offs to Liga F
Villarreal Women drew with CD Alba Fundación (2-2) in a match in which the Yellows deserved much more after an exceptional first half. Even so, and despite the draw, the point earned and the rest of the matchday results mean that Villarreal Women have secured home advantage in the promotion play-offs to Liga F.
Jordi Ferriols’ side started the match with determination and found their reward very early on. In the 12th minute, Aixa Salvador finished off a fine move with María Macías to put the Yellows ahead (1-0).
The Yellows continued to dominate and increased their lead in the 33rd minute. From the left wing, Lauris delivered a precise cross-shot to make it 2-0. What is more, Ferriols’ side went close to a third goal on several consecutive occasions: first with a shot from Sara Medina that went just wide of the post and, moments later, with an effort from Irene Miguélez that was saved by the visiting goalkeeper. Before the break, Aixa also tried her luck with a long-range strike that nearly became the third. However, in the 45th minute, Marina Puebla pulled one back for the team from Castilla-La Mancha (2-1).
After the interval, Alba Fundación, who were playing for a place in the play-offs, stepped up their attacking threat and managed to equalise in the 50th minute. From a corner taken by Lara, Lucía Boyero headed home to make it 2-2.
With the visitors increasing the pressure, the Yellows tried to respond but found it difficult to regain attacking fluency. In the closing stages, Villarreal pushed for a winning goal. In fact, Martuka had the final chance of the match deep into stoppage time, but the Alba defence managed to clear the ball. And so the match finished with the points shared between the Vila-real and Albacete sides.
Match facts:
Villarreal Women: Mar; Nerea, I. Miguélez, Moreira (Estupiñán, 62), Laura; S. Medina (Balma, 81), Cienfu, María (Querol, 62), Lauris (Martuka, 73); Macías (Figols, 62) and Aixa.
CD Alba Fundación: Adri; San Nicolás, Lucía, Fariña, Vicky; Eli Tomé (Leire, 46), Dana, Lara Sierra (Sara M., 72), Mireya; Celia Gómez (Martín, 88) and Ortega (Irene, 80).
Goals: 1-0, Min. 12: Aixa. 2-0, Min. 33: Lauris. 2-1, Min. 45: Marina.
Referee: Cecilia Muñoz. Booked the home player Aixa Salvador and the visiting player Olga San Nicolás.
Attendance: Match played at Pitch five at the José Manuel Llaneza Training Ground, corresponding to Matchday 25 of the Primera Federación Femenina.
