The Yellows get a hard-fought draw against Levante Las Planas
Villarreal Women go into the Christmas break with their homework done. The team coached by Sara Monforte has managed to take a total of four out of the last nine possible points up for grabs after the win against Alhama CF ElPozo (0-1) and today’s draw against Levante Las Planas (2-2) with a brace from Sheila Guijarro.
The Yellows found themselves in a very physical and scrappy game from the opening whistle. The Villarreal players, despite the difficulties, had the first chance on goal in the fifth minute, when Irene Miguélez played a great pass to Belén Martínez, but she was unable to get a shot off. As the minutes went by, Levante Las Planas started to more danger. Elena Julve led a couple of good transitions down the right flank, but they were well dealt with by Elena de Toro, who wasn’t afraid of coming off her line.
In the 42nd minute, Esther brought down Belén in the box, and Sheila scored the first goal of the game from the penalty spot. In added time at the end of the first half, Villarreal were left with ten players on the pitch, with the referee showing Claudia Iglesias a second yellow card. The Yellows went into the break with a goal more than their opponents, but a player down.
In the second half, Villarreal had more problems. The referee sent off Sara Monforte as the game was kicking off again, and then, in the 58th minute, Levante Las Planas drew level. De Toro caught Esther Martín in the box, and the loose ball was sent into the back of the next by Irina (1-1). The Catalans went ahead in the 74th minute when Esther Martín scored from a free-kick. Things weren’t going how the Yellows wanted, but they did not give up. In the 89th minute, Yenifer Giménez sent a long ball over the top, and Sheila produced a spectacular header to level the tie (2-2) and get a hard-earned point.
Next up for Villarreal Women, after the Christmas break, is a home match against Levante UD on Saturday 7th January at 12pm CET, against Levante UD at the José Manuel Llaneza Training Ground. The game will correspond to Matchday 14 of the 2022/23 Finetwork Liga F season.
LIneups:
Levante Las Planas: Doris (m. 46, María Pi); Nuria Garrote (m. 83, Berta Bou), Sille, Júlia Mora, Esther Martín; Yas, Rita (m. 79, Rita), Laura Martínez (m. 59, Natalie Muth); E. Julve, Pilar Garrote (m. 46, Carter), Irina.
Villarreal Women: Elena de Toro; Giménez, Lara Mara, I. Miguélez, F. Lara; Kanteh (m. 46, Soldevila), Claudia I., Ainoa (m. 83, Estefa), M. Llompart (m. 59, Cienfu); Belén (m. 65, Nerea), Sheila.
Goals: 0-1. Min. 42: Sheila. 1-1. Min. 58: Irina. 2-1. Min. 74: Esther. 2-2. Min. 89: Sheila.
Referee: Elisabeth Calvo. Booked: Nuria Garrote, Esther Martín (Levante Las Planas); Sheila Guijarro, María Llompart, Cienfu (Villarreal). Sent off: Claudia Iglesias and head coach Sara Monforte (Villarreal).
Matchday information: Game corresponding to Matchday 13 of the 2022/23 Finetwork Liga F season between Levante Las Planas and Villarreal Women, at the Municipal de Las Planas.
