Sara Monforte’s team beat Alhama ElPozo with goals from Sheila Guijarro, María Llompart and Vera Rico

It was a big match and Villarreal Women did not fail. The Yellows won 3-1 against a direct rival to stay out of the relegation zone thanks to goals from Sheila Guijarro, María Llompart and Vera Rico. The away team’s goal came from Carmen.

There was a lot at stake and it showed when it came to the flow of play. The early stages were dominated by the Yellows in a key match in the battle to avoid relegation. Even so, despite Sara Monforte’s players looking better, it was Alhama who had the first big chance of the game. Paola Soldevila cleared off the line to stop the visitors from scoring.

The scare didn’t change the plans of the Yellows, who continued to be sharp in attack. They made it 1-0 from the penalty spot. Fatou Kanteh was brought down inside the area and Sheila made no mistake from the spot (m. 25). Just eight minutes later, Villarreal could have extended their lead with a header from Sheila that was saved by Laura, the opposition keeper.

The start of the second half brought some good news for Villarreal Women. Olivia Oprea, who had just entered the field of play as a substitute, gave away another penalty after a foul on Kanteh, resulting in a straight red card for the visitors. This time it was Maria Llompart who was successful with the penalty  (2-0, m.49).

Then it was 2-1, after a great goal for Alhama. It was in the 65^th  minute when Carmen surprised everyone with a long-range shot. Maximum excitement until the end.

In stoppage time, Vera Rico scored the definitive goal to make it  3-1. She did it with suspense, as her shot went softly into the goal after hitting the goalkeeper (m.90+5).

Villarreal Women achieved a very important victory in their goal to remain in the league against a direct rival. Their next opponent will be Levante Las Planas (Sunday 19^th, 12pm CET), against another direct opponent in the bid to avoid relegation.

Lineups:

Villarreal Women: C. Carbonell; Giménez (Nerea, m. 70), Lara Mata, C. Cubedo (I. Miguélez, m. 81), Albeta; M. Llompart (Cienfu, m. 75), Soldevila, Pilar García; Kanteh (Estefa, m. 81), Sheila (Vera Rico, m. 81), Tere.

Alhama ElPozo: Laura; Lena, Judith, Carid (Pinel, m. 78), Daniela (Lucía, m. 64), Kuki (Xaxa, m. 64), Astrid (Olivia, m. 46), Raquel, Carmen, Aldritch (Sastre, m. 85), Marina.

Goles: 1-0. Min. 25: Sheila (penalty). 2-0. Min. 49: M. Llompart (penalty). 2-1. Min. 65: Carmen. 3-1. Min. 90+5: Vera Rico.

Referee: Ylenia Sánchez Miguel. Booked: Sheila, Giménez, Nerea, Lara Mata (Villarreal); Judith, Carmen, Carid (Alhama). Sent off: Olivia (Alhama, m.48)).

Matchday information: Match corresponding to Gameweek 21 of the Finetwork Liga F played at the Mini Estadi de la José Manuel Llaneza Training Ground in front of 250 spectators.