Villarreal Women get an important win against Deportivo Alavés in their survival battle
Villarreal Women beat Deportivo Alaves (1-0) in a vital clash in their battle for survival. Sheila Guijarro’s first-half goal was enough to give the Yellows a crucial win at the Mini Estadi and earn them three points to lift them out of the relegation zone.
There was a lot at stake for Villarreal and Deportivo Alavés in a vital game for survival. Sara Monforte’s side were aware of the importance of the game and approached it with the firm desire to be strong at home and take three golden points against a direct rival.
The Submarine started the game well and showed their punch in the first half. Just before the half-hour mark, Villarreal took advantage of a great move down the right flank by Nerea Pérez, who crossed into the heart of the box for goalscorer Sheila to show her reliability in front of goal and score the opener.
Before the break, the Submarine came close to scoring what would have been a goal to calm the nerves. Estefa Lima received a good ball from Sheila in the box but her shot went wide of Jana’s goal.
The early stages of the second half did not offer any great chances, a state of affairs that favoured the Yellows. From the 70th minute onwards, the Submarine took a step forward and looked to make it 2-0. Belén Martínez could have scored it.
In the 79th minute, Carmen Carbonell made the save of the day. The Submarine goalkeeper saved a close-range shot from Deportivo Alavés from inside the six-yard box. The Mini Estadi was amazed by the save. Two minutes later, Aby Manou was shown a second yellow card and Deportivo Alavés were down to ten women.
The last few minutes were frenetic and even the Submarine suffered the onslaught of an Alavés side that went on the attack. Monforte’s team kept a clean sheet and celebrated the three points against Deportivo Alavés. The Yellows will face Sevilla FC on Sunday 5th February, at 12pm CET, at the Andalusian side’s training ground.
Lineups:
Villarreal CF: C. Carbonell; Giménez, Soldevila, I. Miguelez, Albeta (F. Lara, m. 65); Nerea (Belén, m. 65), Claudia I. (M. Llompart, m. 56), Ainoa, Estefa; Tere (Kanteh, m. 65)), Sheila (Cienfu, m. 89).
Deportivo Alavés: Jana; C. Auñón, Elba, Ohale, Carla Morera; Miku (L. Chamorro, m. 65), Garazi (Sáez, m. 39), Gema (Carla, m. 89), Carrillo (Aby Manou, m. 39); Sanadri, Ane Miren (Miriam, m. 65).
Goal: 1-0. Min. 29: Sheila.
Referee: Ainara Acevedo Dudley. Booked: I. Miguélez (Villarreal CF); Ane Miren, Sanadri (Deportivo Alavés). Sent off: Aby Manou (81’, Deportivo Alavés).
Matchday information: Match between Villarreal Women and Deportivo Alavés, corresponding to Gameweek 17 of the 2022/23 Finetwork Liga F season, at the Mini Estadi at the José Manuel Llaneza Training Ground.
