Sara Monforte’s side deserve to get more from their first league match at the Mini Estadi
Villarreal deserved much more in the derby (1-2). The home side came away empty-handed in their league opener at the Mini Estadi, despite outplaying their opponents at various stages of the game. A great goal from Raquel from a free-kick balanced the scoreboard in the first half, but it was not enough to win against Valencia, who scored twice, through Fiamma and Ainhoa.
Valencia started the game better. Before the first quarter of an hour, Anita and Asun had warned the home side before Fiamma broke the deadlock. The forward gave Valencia the lead with a powerful shot into the far corner of the net.
Valencia’s goal sparked a reaction from Villarreal, who grew into the game. In the 27th minute, Raquel converted a free kick from the edge of the area. The Yellows’ defender executed her free-kick brilliantly. A left-footed shot that drilled into the top corner of the net brought the Mini Estadi crowd to its feet.
In the second half, Sara Monforte’s team reaffirmed the improvement they had shown as the game wore on. The Submarine began to gain presence in the opposition half and found depth thanks to Kanteh’s runs into space.
The home side’s good feelings were not rewarded. And Valencia, in their first chance of the second half, converted their second through Ainhoa, who beat Carmen Carbonell with a low shot from inside the area.
In the closing stages of the game, Villarreal – who deserved the points – searched for an equaliser, but lacked accuracy and luck in the closing stages.
Next Tuesday, the Submarine will have another chance to get a win. They will host Atlético de Madrid at 9pm CEST at the Mini Estadi.
Lineups:
Villarreal Women: C. Carbonell; Nerea, Giménez (Lucía G., m. 65), C. Cubedo, Raquel; Claudia I., Soldevila, M. Llompart (Salvador, m. 83), F. Lara (Virginia, m. 65); McKenna (Vera Rico, m. 76), Kanteh.
Valencia Femenino: Enith; Kerrly, Florentino, M. Molina, J. López; Anita (M. Martí, m. 82), Fiamma (Estela, m. 68), M. Carro, Serna (Ainoa, m. 59); Asun, M. Portales (Chacón, m. 82).
Goals: 0-1. Min. 16: Fiamma. 1-1. Min. 27: Raquel. 1-2. Min. 75: Ainhoa.
Referee: Elisabeth Calvo. Booked: M. Llompart & Kanteh (Villarreal Women), M. Portales & Florentino (Valencia).
Matchday information: Game between Villarreal CF and Valencia CF, corresponding to Matchday 3 of the 2023/24 Liga F season, at the Mini Estadi of the José Manuel Llaneza Training Ground. Attendance: 500.
