The Yellows were the better side in the game, but were edged out by Real Sociedad in the closing stages thanks to a goal from Bernabé
Villarreal Women, despite a serious and combative performance, failed to get anything to show for their efforts against the Basque side due to a last-gasp goal conceded after a contentious piece of action.
If playing against Real Sociedad, a team that is usually very forceful in both areas, is hard, doing so under a blanket of water is even more so due to the unpredictability of the game. In the first 45 minutes of play, Villarreal Women had to remain very tight defensively, as the home were able to enjoy several dangerous approaches to the goal defended by Carmen Carbonell. However, both the goalkeeper and the defence were sharp in every action. In attack, Sara Monforte’s side tried their best, although shots from María Llompart and Raquel Morcillo, for example, were not rewarded.
In the second half, Villarreal Women had a clear chance in the 58th minute. Nerea Pérez managed to get on the end of a dangerous ball, but Elene Lete was able to stop it. Just a few minutes later, it was María Llompart who shot at goal with all her might, but she did not get the desired reward either. For their part, the Basque side were increasing their attacking intensity. In fact, Carmen Carbonell saved a great ball in the 80th minute. However, after a slightly controversial play, due to a change in the referee’s decision on a free kick, Real Sociedad, thanks to Bernabé, scored a definitive goal to take the game.
Villarreal Women’s next match, corresponding to Matchday 8 of the 2023/24 Liga F season, will take place on Saturday 11th November, at 4.30pm CET, against FC Barcelona at the Mini Estadi of the José Manuel Llaneza Training Ground.
Lineups:
Real Sociedad: Lete; Emma, Etxezarreta (m. 67, Mirari), Apari, Bernabé; Lorena (m. 67, Tejada), I. Arnaiz, Andreia; Franssi (m. 85, Jacqueline), Jensen, N. Eizaguirre.
Villarreal Women: C. Carbonell; Nerea (m. 71, Tere), Giménez, Queralt (m. 87, María), Raquel; M. Llompart, Soldevila, Claudia I. (m. 87, Vera Rico), F. Lara (m. 71, Lucía G.); Kanteh (m. 75, Lucía R.), McKenna.
Goals: 1-0. Min. 85: Bernabé.
Referee: Alicia Espinosa Ríos. Booked: Nerea Eizaguirre (Real Sociedad).
Matchday information: Game corresponding to Matchday 7 of the 2023/24 Liga F season between Real Sociedad and Villarreal Women, at Zubieta.
