Sara Monforte’s side beat RCD Espanyol with goals from Nerea Sánchez and Belén Martínez
Villarreal Women made their debut in this season’s Copa de la Reina in the third round. Sara Monforte’s side came into the tie with great enthusiasm and a good momentum, after an important win in the Finetwork Liga F against Madrid CFF.
The start of the game was a tentative start for both teams. Both sides gradually began to get to grips with the game, although without getting into their opponents’ penalty area much. RCD Espanyol, taking advantage of their good positioning on the pitch and this slower pace, were able to build their game to get closer to the goal defended by Carmen Carbonell. As the minutes passed, a more adventurous Villarreal side began to look for goals through Lucía Romero, Sheila and Estefa, but without success. The game went into half-time with the score level (0-0).
In the second half, the home side came out with a lot of determination, creating a lot of danger. In the 67th minute, a great triangulation in midfield resulted in a ball into space that Pixu took advantage of to put the home side ahead. Far from giving up, the Yellows continued to attack relentlessly. Nerea Sánchez, on her return to what was her home for two seasons, controlled the ball with great quality and struck a powerful shot from just outside the box to level the scores and send the game into extra-time.
In extra-time, RCDE Espanyol went down to ten after Karpova was sent off. However, they did not give up, enjoying a great chance from Pixu, which Carmen Carbonell saved well. Sara Monforte’s side continued to attack relentlessly and the reward came in the 115th minute when Belén capitalised on a great cross from Nerea to score the winning goal.
Next up for Villarreal Women is a home match against Athletic Club, corresponding to Matchday 10 of the 2022/23 Finetwork Liga F season, at 4pm CET at the Mini Estadi at the José Manuel Llaneza Training Ground
Lineups:
RCD Espanyol Women: Andrea Crespo; I. Corral, Núria Martínez, Guerra; J. Luzuriaga (m. 99, J. Pablos), C. Baudet (m. 46, Pixu), N. Opazo, Nora (m. 76, Karpova), Sara (m. 66, Júlia Serrat); Natalia (m. 46, Chini), A. Martín (m. 66, Carol Marín).
Villarreal Women: C. Carbonell; Nerea, Soldevila (m. 91, Ainoa), I. Miguélez, Albeta; Lucía R. (m. 81, María), Claudia I., M. Llompart (m. 91, Cienfu), Estefa (m. 67, Belén); Vera Rico (m. 46, Nerea Sánchez), Sheila (m. 46, Kanteh).
Goals: 1-0. Min. 67: Pixu. 1-1. Min. 74: Nerea Sánchez. 1-2. Min. 115: Belén.
Referee: Elisabeth Calvo Valentín. Booked. Sara (RCD Espanyol); M. Llompart, Kanteh, Nerea Sánchez (Villarreal Women). Sent off: Karpova (RCD Espanyol).
Matchday information: Match corresponding to the Round of 32 of the 2022/23 Copa de la Reina between RCD Espanyol and Villarreal Women, at the Dani Jarque Training Ground.
