The Yellows get three important points thanks to two goals from the Jamaica international
Villarreal Women and Real Betis met on Saturday afternoon at the Mini Estadi of the José Manuel Llaneza Training Ground in a key match for survival that was decided by Kayla McKenna’s brace, giving the Yellows three precious points in the fight for survival.
The Submarine were on a high after taking all three points in their last match against Sporting Huelva, another direct opponent. The visitors, for their part, had lost their last seven games and, against Sara Monforte’s side, were looking for a change of dynamic that would allow them to look upwards.
Equality was the dominant tone of the game for the first half hour. It was Kayla McKenna who broke the deadlock in the 31st minute of the game when she slammed Kanteh’s cross into the net with her left foot after a great turn inside the box to put Villarreal Women ahead.
A spectacular save by Carmen Carbonell from a header by a Betis forward allowed the Yellows to go in at the break with the lead.
Villarreal Women’s dominance continued into the second half and in the 64th minute it would result in the Yellows’ second goal of the afternoon. It was again the work of McKenna, who, from Nerea’s cross, headed the ball past the visitors’ goalkeeper.
Real Betis tried to push forward to close the gap on the scoreboard, but they found themselves up against a solid Villarreal Women who did not allow them any dangerous chances. Only a defensive error in the 90th minute gave life to Real Betis, who fell short in their attempt at a comeback.
Thus, Sara Monforte’s side have three golden points in the fight to escape relegation, from which they are now five points clear. Villarreal Women return to action on Saturday 10th February against Valencia, kick-off 4.30pm at the Estadio Antonio Puchades.
Line-ups:
Villarreal CF: C. Carbonell; Nerea, Soldevila, C. Cubedo, Raquel; Ainoa, Lucía G. (min. 65, Giménez), Claudia I., M. Llompart; McKenna, Kanteh (min. 71, Lucía R.).
Real Betis: P. Vizoso; Roberts, Carla, N. Montilla, Rosa M.; Nuria (min. 46, Carol), Gema, V. Quiles, Nuñez (min. 71, Julia), Dorine, Cameron (min. 71, Blanca).
Goals 1-0. Min. 31: McKenna. 2-0. Min. 64: McKenna. 2-1. Min. 90: Blanca.
Referee: Elisabeth Calvo Valentín (Comité Madrileño).
Matchday information: Match between Villarreal Women and Real Betis, corresponding to Matchday 16 of the 2023/24 Liga F season at the Mini Estadi at the José Manuel Llaneza Training Ground.
